IRCC has updated the work-experience rule for Express Entry occupational categories. As of February 18, 2026, candidates generally need at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in an eligible occupation within the last 3 years to qualify for most occupational category-based rounds.
This matters because category eligibility can make you more likely to receive an ITA in a category draw — but it still does not guarantee an invitation.
What changed on February 18, 2026
IRCC states that for the renewed occupational categories, the minimum work experience increased from 6 months to 1 year (12 months) in an eligible occupation, gained in Canada or abroad over the previous three years.
On the IRCC category-based selection page, the eligibility wording for occupational categories now repeats this standard rule:
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12 months within the past 3 years
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does not need to be continuous
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must be in one eligible occupation
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can be in Canada or abroad (unless the category specifically requires Canadian work experience)
What did not change
IRCC’s eligibility rules still require you to meet the category exactly:
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Your experience must match one eligible occupation for that category (based on the NOC list for the category).
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Some categories are Canadian work experience only (for example, “physicians with Canadian work experience,” “researchers with Canadian work experience,” and “senior managers with Canadian work experience”).
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The French-language proficiency category is different: it is based on language test results (NCLC 7 in all abilities), not an occupation work-experience rule.
How to count “12 months” in practice
For Express Entry programs, IRCC commonly measures “one year” as 1,560 hours, and caps counting at up to 30 hours/week (extra hours don’t speed up the requirement).
Internal guidance: If you are close to 12 months, keep strong proof (reference letters, pay slips, contracts). Category draws still require you to qualify for Express Entry and the program you’re invited under.
FAQs
Does the 12 months need to be continuous?
No. IRCC says the experience does not need to be continuous for occupational categories.
Does the work experience need to be in Canada?
Often no — many occupational categories allow experience in Canada or abroad. But some categories require Canadian work experience (like physicians/researchers/senior managers).
Do I need 12 months of work experience for the French category?
The French-language category is based on French test scores, not occupational work experience.
Can I count Canadian work done while studying full-time (like co-op) for Canadian-experience requirements?
Rules depend on the program. For example, IRCC states that CEC does not count work experience gained while studying full-time (including co-op). If your category/draw depends on Canadian work experience, check the specific instructions and how your program defines eligible Canadian work.
Reality check
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Being category-eligible does not mean you will get an ITA. IRCC still ranks candidates in the pool and invites top-ranking profiles that meet the round’s instructions.
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If your work duties don’t match the NOC you claim, your PR application can be refused even after an ITA.
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Category rules and occupation lists can change again, so always confirm the current IRCC page before relying on a plan.
Sources
Express Entry category-based selection (eligibility + category lists):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html
IRCC news release (Feb 2026): “Attracting the world’s best talent…” (includes the 6 months → 1 year change):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/02/attracting-the-worlds-best-talent-to-fill-canadas-labour-gaps-and-build-our-economy.html
How to count work hours (example: Federal Skilled Worker Program):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/federal-skilled-workers.html
CEC rule on study-time work (official help centre answer):
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=667&top=29
