Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new work experience requirement that now applies across all occupational categories under the Express Entry system — meaning candidates must meet specific experience conditions not only in skilled work but also in other targeted occupations if they want to be eligible for certain draws.
This change follows IRCC’s updated Immigration Levels Plan and reflects Canada’s continued shift toward labour-market-driven, category-based selection, where certain work experience is required to qualify for Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in Express Entry draws.
📌 What’s New: Work Experience Requirement for All Categories
Under the updated rules:
âś” IRCC now requires a minimum amount of work experience for all occupational categories included in specific Express Entry draws.
This means that — regardless of whether you are in healthcare, construction, transportation, or other targeted categories — IRCC will evaluate whether your work experience meets the new criteria for the category being drawn.
The requirement applies across all categories, including but not limited to:
- Health care and social services
- Construction trades
- Transportation and logistics
- Engineering-related occupations
- Tech and communications
In the past, some targeted Express Entry draws focused only on specific occupations without strict prerequisites beyond being in the correct NOC code or having relevant eligibility criteria. The new policy sets a consistent baseline for actual work experience across all categories.
🧠Why the Change Matters
This update has important implications for Express Entry candidates:
🔹 Work Experience Is Now Central to Eligibility
Even if your occupation qualifies for an upcoming occupational draw (e.g., transportation or construction), you must show qualifying work experience that meets the category’s expectations to be invited.
Simply being in the correct National Occupational Classification (NOC) code is no longer enough. Your actual work history must align with the requirements IRCC sets for the category.
đź“Š What Counts as Qualifying Work Experience?
Qualifying experience is generally defined as:
✔ Paid employment — full-time or equivalent part-time
âś” Work that fits the duties and employment conditions for the NOC occupation claimed
✔ Work completed within the recent past (typically last 3–5 years)
âś” Relevant work that meets the timeframe requirements for the specific Express Entry program (e.g., Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker)
For several targeted categories, this means meeting an expected minimum number of continuous months of experience in the occupation being drawn; IRCC will examine your work history when determining eligibility.
đź“Ť How This Affects Category-Based Express Entry Draws
In 2025 and into 2026, IRCC has used category-based Express Entry draws to invite candidates in in-demand sectors — including healthcare, French-language proficiency, and other priority occupations.
Under the new experience requirement:
🔹 Candidates must show qualifying experience that closely matches the occupation being targeted.
🔹 IRCC will now scrutinize work histories more closely, not just job titles.
🔹 Even if your profile lists a correct NOC code, your actual duties and work experience timeline must support it.
This change reinforces Canada’s goal of selecting immigrants whose skills and experience align directly with labour-market needs — not just their job titles.
🧠What Express Entry Candidates Should Do Now
If you’re planning to stay competitive in 2026 Express Entry draws — especially targeted ones — here’s how to prepare:
1. Review Your Work Experience Carefully
Make sure your documented work history reflects your job duties, hours, and employment period accurately — and that it meets the minimum experience requirements for your occupation.
2. Match Your Resume to NOC Duties
Ensure your resume and Express Entry profile clearly outline duties that align with the NOC description for your occupation. This helps IRCC assess your experience correctly.
3. Avoid Claiming Unrelated Experience
Only include work history that truly fits the occupation you are claiming; unrelated experience may not meet the new requirements.
4. Consider Additional Experience If Needed
If you don’t yet meet the minimum qualifying timeframe — for example, if you’re short of required months — working longer to build experience before applying can improve your eligibility.
đź› How This Fits With Other Immigration Rules
The new work experience requirement does not replace existing eligibility rules under the Express Entry programs (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program); rather, it adds another condition that candidates must meet for category-based draws and specific occupational invitations.
All standard requirements — including language tests, education credentials, and admissibility conditions — still apply on top of the experience requirement.
🧠Final Thoughts
Canada’s updated policy requiring qualifying work experience across all Express Entry occupational categories underscores its commitment to selecting immigrants with the right mix of skills and labour-market readiness. Candidates should now take care to document their work experience carefully, match it to the correct NOC duties, and plan their profiles strategically to remain competitive in targeted draws throughout 2026 and beyond.
