Foreign work experience obtained during a period of study (even if enrolled in full-time studies) is eligible for foreign work experience points under Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Foreign work experience completed while studying is also eligible work experience for the purpose of the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
The restriction that work experience must not coincide with full-time studies is only relevant to the Canadian Experience Class Program and the points awarded for Canadian work experience under Express Entry’s CRS.
This restriction is not found in the Regulations as it pertains to the qualifying work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). As a result, an individual’s Canadian work experience while enrolled as a full-time student can count towards the eligibility requirements of the FSWP or FST. Nonetheless, the candidate will not be awarded any points for Canadian work experience or foreign work experience under Express Entry.
