How to Double Your CRS Points With Canadian and Foreign Work Experience

If you're applying for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry, one effective way to boost your CRS score is by earning both Canadian and foreign work experience at the same time.

This strategy can increase your CRS score by over 60 points within a single year, significantly improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Can You Claim Both Work Experiences at Once?

Yes, but only if both jobs meet Express Entry requirements.

To qualify:

• Your Canadian job must be full-time, paid, performed under a valid work permit, and fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Your foreign job must be paid, performed legally under the laws of the foreign country, and done while you are physically present in Canada (such as working remotely).

IRCC allows a maximum of 30 hours per week per job, so you can claim two years of experience in one calendar year—one Canadian and one foreign.

Work Experience Requirements by Program

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

• 1 year of paid, full-time Canadian work in TEER 0–3
• Work must be done within the last 3 years
• Work on a study permit is not eligible

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):

• 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent) paid work in TEER 0–3
• Must be in the same NOC as your primary occupation
• Can be inside or outside Canada

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):

• 2 years of full-time paid work in a qualifying trade
• Work must be obtained within the last 5 years

How Work Experience Is Counted

Work is counted in hours:

• Full-time is defined as 30 hours per week for 12 months (1,560 hours)
• Part-time can be combined to meet this threshold
• Working more than 30 hours per week does not increase credit

You can count one Canadian job and one foreign job at 30 hours per week each, allowing you to meet both experience requirements in one year.

Final Tips

• Canadian work experience must be gained in Canada, under proper work authorization.
• Foreign work experience can be gained remotely from Canada if the job meets legal and program requirements.
• Keep detailed documentation for both jobs, including employment letters, contracts, and pay records.