Maximizing CRS Score Through Foreign Work Experience in Express Entry

Acquiring foreign work experience can significantly enhance your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system, particularly through skill transferability points. However, it is crucial to navigate this aspect correctly to avoid pitfalls.

When evaluating a permanent residence (PR) application, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) goes beyond the information provided in your Express Entry profile.

Immigration officers scrutinize the evidence you present to substantiate your claimed work experience and qualifications at the time of receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA). Failure to meet the minimum score requirements for the draw you were invited under can lead to application rejection.

Here are the key considerations and guidelines for candidates before asserting foreign work experience.

Significance of Work Experience in PR Applications

Work experience impacts your CRS score in two primary ways:

  • Direct CRS points for Canadian skilled work experience;
  • Skill transferability points for foreign work experience, particularly when combined with strong language proficiency and/or Canadian work experience.

Given that your CRS score determines your ITA eligibility, any discrepancies in your declared work experience can result in rejection if your points fall below the draw’s cut-off threshold.

Repercussions of Not Disclosing Foreign Work History

Failure to disclose previous foreign work history in earlier IRCC applications can have repercussions later on.

Many applications for temporary residence (study permits, work permits, visitor visas) require applicants to detail their work and personal history. Some individuals omit past foreign employment, deeming it irrelevant to the specific application.

However, IRCC retains substantial applicant information and may refer to it during PR application assessments.

IRCC’s Info Source outlines that Express Entry profile data and economic PR records can be retained for extended periods, along with temporary resident records. This includes information on international students and temporary foreign workers.