Canada has introduced stricter rules for its popular immigration system, Express Entry.
The update affects how foreign workers qualify for category-based immigration draws.
Earlier, candidates needed six months of continuous work experience in an eligible job.
Now, applicants must have at least 12 months of work experience within the last three years to qualify.
The new rule came into effect on February 18, 2026 and aims to ensure that candidates have stronger professional experience before applying for permanent residency.
Work Experience Rules Have Changed
Under the updated policy, candidates must show 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) in a relevant occupation within the past three years.
Unlike the previous rule, the work experience does not have to be continuous.
However, it must be in one specific occupation from an approved list of jobs.
These category-based draws help Canada invite skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s economic needs.
Key Categories for Express Entry Invitations
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducts special draws for candidates with skills in important sectors. Current categories include:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare and social services jobs
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields
Skilled trades
Education-related occupations
Transport sector jobs
Physicians with Canadian work experience
Senior managers with Canadian work experience
Researchers with Canadian work experience
Skilled military recruits
Candidates who meet the requirements for these sectors can receive invitations to apply for permanent residency.
How Candidates Are Selected
To be considered, applicants must first meet the minimum eligibility criteria of the Express Entry system and qualify for one of the three immigration programs it manages.
When a category-based draw takes place, authorities rank eligible candidates in the pool and invite top-scoring applicants to apply for permanent residency.
Work experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad, depending on the category.
However, for categories that require Canadian work experience, candidates cannot include work done while studying full-time, such as co-op placements.
The updated rule means that applicants will now need stronger work experience to improve their chances of moving to Canada permanently.
