If you work in retail, food service, hospitality, trucking, food processing or care work, you have probably heard some version of “Express Entry isn’t for you.” For most of these jobs that is true: they are classified TEER 4 or 5, and Express Entry’s federal programs only count TEER 0–3 experience. But Express Entry is not the only door. Several provinces and federal pilots accept TEER 4 and 5 workers — and 2026 changed which ones are open.
Quick Answer
TEER 4 and 5 experience does not count for the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades programs. It can count for: the Alberta Opportunity Stream (most TEER 4 and 5 occupations, CLB 4); Saskatchewan’s Existing Work Permit category if your permit is LMIA-based; Manitoba’s Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway (CLB 4 for TEER 4 and 5); Ontario’s new Workforce Priority stream, which has a TEER 4–5 pathway; the Atlantic Immigration Program (TEER 4 with a permanent job offer); and the rural and francophone community pilots. British Columbia closed its Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream in April 2026, and the federal home care worker pilots are paused.
This guide summarizes programs as of September 2026. Provincial streams change often and many have occupation lists, caps and intake windows. Confirm on the official program page before you plan around one.
First: Confirm Your TEER
Your TEER comes from your duties, not your title. A “supervisor” can be TEER 2 or TEER 4. Check with the NOC Code Finder — if you are actually TEER 2 or 3, the CEC may be open to you.
Routes That Accept TEER 4 and 5 Work
| Program | TEER 4 and 5? | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Opportunity Stream (AAIP) | Most TEER 4 and 5 occupations; some are on an ineligible list | Full-time Alberta job offer; 12 months’ full-time work in the occupation in Alberta in the last 18 months (6 months for Alberta PGWP holders); CLB 4 for TEER 4 and 5 |
| Saskatchewan — Existing Work Permit | Yes, but only if your permit is LMIA-based, a CUAET permit or a Francophone Mobility permit | CLB 4 for TEER 4 and 5; 2026 caps on food service and accommodation (15% of nominations) and trucking (5%) |
| Manitoba — Skilled Worker in Manitoba | Yes | Ongoing employment in Manitoba; CLB 4 for TEER 4 and 5; in-demand occupations are prioritized in draws |
| Ontario — Workforce Priority stream | Yes, through the TEER 4–5 job-offer pathway (launched June 2026) | Ontario job offer; scored out of 130 points (how scoring works) |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | TEER 4 (not TEER 5) | Permanent, full-time job offer from a designated employer; CLB 4; 1,560 hours of experience (AIP guide) |
| Rural and Francophone Community pilots (RCIP, FCIP) | Depends on the community’s priority occupations | Job offer from a designated employer in a participating community (RCIP overview) |
Routes That Are Closed or Paused in 2026
- BC PNP Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS): discontinued in BC’s April 2026 restructuring. BC’s remaining Skills Immigration streams require TEER 0–3 job offers.
- Home Care Worker Immigration pilots: IRCC paused intake; existing applications are still processed.
- Agri-Food Pilot: closed.
How to Choose
- Stay where your experience is. Almost every TEER 4/5 route requires recent work in that province, often with the same employer or occupation.
- Check your permit type. Saskatchewan, for example, accepts TEER 4 and 5 only on LMIA-based permits — a PGWP or spousal permit does not qualify there.
- Get CLB 4 or higher in all four skills. Higher scores add points in scored streams like Ontario’s.
- Keep your work permit valid while you wait for an invitation (options while waiting for PR).
- Consider moving up a TEER. A promotion to a supervisory or technical role can make you eligible for the CEC too (why TEER matters).
FAQ
Can a TEER 5 worker get PR through Express Entry?
Not through the federal programs, which require TEER 0–3 experience. Some Express Entry-linked provincial streams may differ, but most TEER 5 routes are base provincial streams.
Is TEER 4 enough for the AIP?
Yes, with a permanent full-time job offer from a designated Atlantic employer and CLB 4. TEER 5 jobs are not eligible.
My province has no TEER 4/5 stream. What now?
Look at community pilots in your area, a move to a province that accepts your occupation (only with a job there), or upskilling into a TEER 0–3 role.
Related Guides
Sources
- Government of Alberta — Alberta Opportunity Stream eligibility
- Government of Saskatchewan — Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit
- Manitoba Immigration — Skilled Worker in Manitoba
- Government of Ontario — Ontario Workforce Priority stream
- IRCC — AIP job offer requirements
- IRCC — Pausing Home Care Worker Immigration pilots intake
- WelcomeBC — About the BC PNP
