Can I apply for the Canada Express Entry program without work experience?

You can apply for the Canada Express Entry program without work experience; however, you may not get any CRS points under the work experience factor. The Express Entry program uses a points-based system to assess, rank, and score profiles of immigration candidates. The CRS score is allotted to candidates based on age, language proficiency, educational qualification, work experience, adaptability, arranged employment, etc. To score points under the work experience factor, you must have at least 12 months of skilled work experience. A maximum of 70 points will be given to candidates applying with a spouse, and 80 points will be given to those applying without a spouse.

 

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What is considered eligible work experience for the Express Entry program?

You can apply for Express Entry through any of the eligible immigration programs. There are three eligible programs under the Canada Express Entry system:  

 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

 

The criteria for eligible work experience to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry differ based on which immigration program you choose from the above list.

 

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What are the work experience requirements to qualify for the Express Entry program?

To fulfill the minimum Express Entry criteria, you must qualify for at least one of the immigration programs under the Express Entry system. You should have at least 12 months of work experience to score points through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

 

Here is the list of eligible work experience requirements for each immigration program:

 

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

To qualify for the FSWP, you must have valid work experience. The work experience that would be considered for the FSWP is as follows:

 

• Must have relevant work experience (either in Canada or overseas)
• The job role must be listed in any of the NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Proof that you have fulfilled the duties required for the NOC job

 

*Want to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.

 

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Your work experience that would be considered for the FSTP if you have:

 

• Two years of full-time experience in a skilled trade in the last five years before applying for the program
• Proof that you have fulfilled the roles and duties for the NOC job role
• Been paid for the job in the form of commissions or wages

 

Note: The applicant must be qualified to independently practice the trade occupation for the work experience to be considered eligible.

 

List of eligible Skilled trades NOC groups

You must have experience in any of the NOC groups listed below:

NOC Code	Occupation
Major Group 72, excluding Sub-Major Group 726	Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers
	Transportation officers and controllers
Major Group 73	General trades
Major Group 82	Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related production
Major Group 83	Occupations in natural resources and related production
Major Group 92	Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors, and utilities operators and controllers
Major Group 93, excluding Sub-Major Group 932	Central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors
	aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
Minor Group 6320	Cooks, butchers and bakers
Unit Group 62200	Chefs

 

*Want to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.

 

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

To apply for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), you must have the following work experience in Canada:

 

• 12 months of Canadian skilled work experience in the last 3 years before applying for the program
• Must have obtained Canadian work experience while living on a temporary resident status
• Must have fulfilled the roles and duties assigned for the NOC job role

 

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