Canadian Experience Class Residency Requirements

When applying for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class, it’s important to understand how breaks from work can impact your eligibility. Under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules for Express Entry, applicants must complete 1,560 hours of paid, skilled work in Canada to qualify under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

How Breaks Are Treated

• Paid statutory holidays and a typical two-week paid vacation are usually considered part of work experience and do not affect eligibility.
• Unpaid vacation, extended leave, or parental leave do not count towards the required hours, even if employment is maintained.
• Longer vacations beyond two weeks may be reviewed case by case, potentially impacting eligibility.
• Working remotely outside Canada, even for a Canadian employer, is not included in the required hours. Physical presence in Canada’s labour market is necessary for CEC eligibility.

It is advisable to accumulate additional work experience beyond the minimum requirement before applying, especially if there have been periods of unpaid leave, extended trips, or time spent abroad.