Canada Raises Express Entry Work Requirement in 2026

Canada has changed one of the main eligibility requirements for skilled immigrants who make their applications under the Express Entry system. On February 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) doubled the amount of work experience that an individual must have before obtaining permanent residence under the occupational category: the minimum experience and time requirement was reduced to six months of full-time work experience to 12 months of accumulated eligible work experience in the last three years. The change is a significant change in the Express Entry policy and is aimed at aligning incoming applicants to the needs of the Canadian labour market in a better way.

What Is the Express Entry System?

The Express Entry system is the first economic immigration route to Canada. It processes applications for permanent residence to three federal programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

In this system, category selection means that IRCC can focus on specific occupations or a set of skills with special draws. The categories have different eligibility requirements and might provide a route if a candidate is ineligible for the general pool.

Also Read: A Comprehensive Guide to Express Entry Canada

The Change in Work Experience Requirement

Change in the work experience requirement is:

Previous Rule

In the past, to be eligible for an Express Entry occupational category, the applicant was required to demonstrate 6 months of continuous work experience in an eligible occupation during the past three years.

New Rule (Effective Feb 18, 2026)

Under the new policy, the candidates should exhibit:

• The required experience is at least 12 months working in one of the eligible occupations.

• The experience should have been obtained in the previous three years.

• The 12-months need not be a continuous period.

• The work can be full-time (30+ hrs/week) or the same number of hours in part-time.

This practically doubles the fundamental experience criteria of most occupational attractants.

What Counts as Eligible Work Experience?

To be eligible under the new regulations:

• The experience needs to be in an occupation that is under Express Entry eligible occupations.

• The work needed has to be of the same occupation.

• It is possible to do the work within Canada or in a foreign country, except where a category need is that of Canadian experience.

Important Clarification:

The new requirement is not applicable to experience earned during enrollment as a full-time student, even during co-op placements.

Why This Change Matters?

This change matters for the following reasons:

1. Tighter Eligibility Standard

The increase in work experience requirements has increased thebarriere against potential immigrants in occupational categories, particularly those with no extensive Canadian work experience.

2. Improved Labour Market Matching

The change is also consistent with the Canadian preference to choose immigrants who have skills that are more relevant to the market requirements, so that they would integrate and contribute to the major sectors successfully.

3. No Impact on General Express Entry

The one-year work experience that is mandatory in the Federal Skilled Worker Program has not changed under standard Express Entry; it is the category-based selection that has been increased.

Does Continuous Experience Matter?

No. This does not require the work experience to be continuous as it used to be. Candidates are free to do part-time work or job gaps to reach the total number of years needed, provided that the total number of hours worked in the qualifying field is 12 months of full-time equivalent.

Full-Time vs Part-Time Work

Canada bases work experience hours worked, that is, on the basis of hours worked.

• Full-Time: 30 hours/week × 12 months

• Part-Time: Hours added over a longer period of time.

To say the least, a minimum of 15 hours per week working over 24 months would be in the same category as a 12-month full-time employment.

Also Read: A Guide to Canada Visitor Visa from India

Full-Time Students & Work Experience

It is imperative to mention that time spent during the period of studying as a full-time student (even during the co-op placements) does not count as being counted towards the 12-month rule. This is in line with the traditional IRCC policy that separates student work experience from employment experience as a professional worker.

Impact on Applicants

The impact on applicants is:

Who Is Affected?

The major changes that occur include:

• Applicants under the Express Entry occupational groupings.

• Applicants who have less than six months of experience

• Both short-contract and gig workers work without definite, continuous hours.

Who Is NOT Affected?

• Applicants under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) already require 12 months of Canadian experience.

• Those applicants who have work experience exceeding 12 months.

• The requirements for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) differ.

Tips for Prospective Candidates

Some tips for prospective candidates are:

• 12-Month Plan: When you want to draw an occupational category, make sure that you have the necessary hours of experience.

• Keep Precise Records of Hours Worked: Employment records, contracts, and pay stubs are good materials to record your employment history.

• Think About Part-Time Jobs: Even when you are not in Canada, a part-time job can still assist you in complying with the overall requirement.

Also Read: Canada PR Visa Process: Requirements & More

Looking Ahead

The Express Entry system of Canada is still developing. In 2026, IRCC already applied specific draws to occupations, such as healthcare, STEM, and physicians, which are the priorities of the labour market. Under the new experience requirement, it will focus on transforming Canada into a place where applicants undergo a more advanced experience level that can be successful in the local industry in the long-term.

Conclusion

The growth in the number of years of work experience in the Express Entry occupational category represents a significant policy change in the Canadian skilled immigration landscape. The increase of the bar period to 12 months will help IRCC guarantee that the new permanent residents are more thoroughly professional and therefore they will be better placed to succeed in the Canadian economy. Although it poses an additional burden for some applicants, it also introduces clarity and focus to skills that align with national priorities. The new requirement can be assessed carefully, and potential immigrants must strategically plan and be aware of any changes happening in Express Entry and immigration. 

Contact TerraTern for more information.