Express Entry Category-Based Draws: IRCC Revises Work Experience Requirements
IRCC Tightens Work Experience Rules for Express Entry Category-Based Draws
Canada has introduced a significant update to its Express Entry selection system, raising the bar for candidates hoping to qualify under category-based draws. As of February 18, 2026, applicants must now demonstrate at least 12 months of relevant work experience in a targeted occupation within the past three years in order to be eligible under any occupational category.
What Has Changed in the Express Entry System?
Under the updated criteria, candidates must now accumulate a minimum of one year (12 months) of work experience in a single eligible occupation that falls under a designated Express Entry category. Importantly, this experience does not need to be continuous, offering flexibility to applicants whose employment history includes breaks or contract-based roles.
Previously, only six months of uninterrupted experience within the last three years was required to meet category eligibility. By doubling the experience threshold, Canadian immigration authorities are signaling a shift toward prioritizing more established professionals with deeper occupational exposure. This change applies uniformly across all Express Entry occupational categories, including healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture and agri-food, and French-language proficiency categories.
Why Category-Based Selection Matters
While Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores remain central to general draws, category-based rounds often feature lower CRS cut-offs for candidates who meet specific workforce needs. As a result, meeting occupational category criteria can provide a strategic advantage for applicants who may not have extremely high CRS scores.
Focus on Academic and Research Talent
Research and Academic Occupations
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
|---|---|
| Post-secondary teaching and research assistants | 41201 |
| University professors and lecturers | 41200 |
Work Experience Requirements: What Remains the Same
1. Experience Must Be Recent
2. Single Occupation Rule
3. Full-Time Equivalency Standard
Full-time work is defined as at least 30 hours per week. Candidates must accumulate the equivalent of 12 months at this standard.
- 30 hours per week for 12 months qualify.
- Part-time work is acceptable if it equals the same total number of hours (for example, 15 hours per week over 24 months).
4. No Extra Credit for Overtime
5. Canadian or Foreign Experience Accepted
6. Student Work Experience Restrictions
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
This policy update makes it clear that Canada is focusing on candidates with sustained professional engagement in priority occupations. Applicants who previously qualified with 6 months of experience will now need to meet the extended 12-month threshold before becoming eligible for category-based selection.
For those planning their immigration pathway, this change emphasizes:
- The importance of documenting work experience carefully
- Strategic timing before entering the Express Entry pool
- Ensuring occupational codes align accurately with job duties
- Understanding whether Canadian or foreign experience better supports eligibility
Candidates close to the 12-month mark may consider waiting until they meet the new requirement before entering or updating their profile to maximize their chances of selection in targeted draws.
Tax Filing Requirements and Payment Timeline
| Province | Canadian city |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Ottawa |
| London | |
| Mississauga | |
| Toronto | |
| Brampton | |
| Hamilton | |
| British Columbia | Nanaimo |
| Victoria | |
| Vancouver | |
| Kelowna | |
| Alberta | Calgary |
| Edmonton | |
| Quebec | Quebec City |
| Montreal | |
| Saskatchewan | Regina |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax |
Newcomers who arrived in Canada after the most recent tax season are not excluded. They can still access the benefit by submitting Form RC151 for the year they became Canadian tax residents.
Canada’s Evolving Express Entry Strategy
For skilled workers considering permanent residence through Express Entry, staying informed about policy adjustments is essential. As eligibility standards tighten, preparation, accuracy, and timing will play an even more critical role in securing an invitation under Canada’s competitive immigration system.
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