Canada has implemented a major revision to its Express Entry framework, increasing the amount of professional experience required to qualify under category-based draws. Effective February 18, 2026, applicants must now demonstrate at least one full year of relevant work experience in a targeted occupation within the past three years to be considered eligible.
This update, introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, replaces the earlier benchmark of six months of continuous employment and significantly raises the qualification threshold for candidates aiming to benefit from occupation-specific selection rounds.
Also Read IRCC Updates Work Experience Criteria for Express Entry Category-Based Draws
A Clear Shift Toward Experienced Professionals
Category-based selection was designed to address labour shortages in critical industries by prioritising individuals with in-demand skills. By extending the required duration of experience from six months to 12 months, Canadian authorities are reinforcing their focus on applicants who possess deeper, more sustained exposure within their profession.
Unlike the previous rule, the updated requirement does not demand that the 12 months be uninterrupted. Applicants may combine periods of employment, provided the experience totals one year and falls within the three-year eligibility window.
The change applies universally across all occupational categories used in Express Entry’s targeted draws.
How the New Rule Impacts Applicants
For many candidates, category-based draws represent a strategic opportunity. These rounds are typically aligned with Canada’s workforce priorities, including sectors facing acute talent shortages. Meeting category eligibility can substantially increase the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), sometimes even when Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores are not exceptionally high.
With the increased experience threshold now in place, individuals who were previously eligible with only six months of work history will need to reassess their timelines and immigration strategy.
Those currently building experience in a qualifying occupation may consider delaying profile submission until they satisfy the full 12-month requirement to maximise their competitiveness.
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Core Work Experience Criteria That Remain in Effect
While the duration requirement has changed, several foundational eligibility conditions continue to apply:
Experience Must Be Recent
All qualifying work must have been completed within the three years preceding the candidate’s profile submission.
Single Occupation Consistency
The entire 12-month experience period must be tied to one eligible occupation. Applicants cannot combine different roles to meet the requirement.
Full-Time Definition and Part-Time Equivalency
Full-time employment is defined as a minimum of 30 hours per week. However, part-time experience can qualify if it accumulates the same total number of hours over a longer timeframe.
For example:
- 30 hours weekly for 12 months meets the requirement.
- 15 hours weekly over 24 months can also qualify.
Working more than 30 hours per week does not reduce the time needed to meet the one-year standard.
Location of Experience
Eligible work experience may have been obtained either inside or outside Canada. However, certain categories may specifically require Canadian work history.
Student Work Restrictions
For Canadian experience categories, employment obtained while studying full-time, including co-op placements, cannot be counted toward eligibility.
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Strategic Considerations for Future Applicants
The adjustment signals a more selective approach within Express Entry’s category-based selection. Candidates should ensure:
- Their occupational classification accurately matches their job duties.
- Their employment documentation clearly reflects eligible hours and timelines.
- They calculate part-time experience correctly to meet the 12-month equivalency.
- They understand whether their chosen category has additional conditions.
As Canada continues refining its immigration system to better respond to labour market needs, preparation and precision are becoming increasingly important. Applicants who plan carefully and align their experience with category requirements will be better positioned to succeed in upcoming Express Entry draws.
With higher eligibility standards now in place, experience depth—not just eligibility—may play a defining role in determining who receives Canada’s next round of permanent residence invitations.
