IRCC Allows Extra Express Entry Points for Remote Foreign Work while Working in Canada
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As remote work transforms global employment Canada’s immigration system is evolving to reflect this new reality. According to recent guidelines from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it outlines how skilled workers can benefit from remote work when applying through the Express Entry system.
If you are working remotely for a foreign employer while also holding a skilled job in Canada, you may be eligible to claim comprehensive ranking system points for both Canadian and foreign work experience, at the same time potentially increasing your score.
Remote Work and Express Entry CRS Points
IRCC’s Guidance addresses a common situation in which a foreign national in Canada on a valid work permit is working full time in a skilled role (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3), while also holding a remote position with a foreign employer in another skilled occupation.
- Key Takeaways: Remote work performance for a foreign company while the applicant is living in Canada can be counted as foreign work experience in your Express Entry profile. This experience can contribute points towards both program eligibility and Skills Transferability
- Concurrent Work Experience: Applicant (You) may claim CRS points for both, one full time job one of which is in Canada, and one remote provided both meet IRCC's criteria.
However, for eligibility purposes, IRCC caps work experience at 30 hours per week, regardless of how many jobs you are doing
This means you cannot fast track your minimum 1 year of skilled work experience by combining hours of multiple roles. Having said that, still, this dual experience opportunity can be a major advantage if approached correctly
Read Next: IRCC Canada is Hiring For Government IT Jobs with Salaries Up to $141k/Year
Can You Claim CRS Points For Both Jobs (in and outside Canada)?
Yes, it is possible to claim CRS points for both jobs i.e. in Canada and foreign work experience given that applicant meets the certain conditions:
- Canadian Work Experience: Work done under a valid work permit in Canada is in a skilled job, can earn up to 80 CRS core points for 3 or more years of experience
- Foreign Work Experience (Remote): Simultaneously remote work for a foreign employer can count as foreign work experience and when combined with strong language score or Canadian Education, it can add up to 50 Skill Transferability Points
Concurrent Employment Example:
Suppose you have work of 40 hours per week in Toronto for a Canadian company under NOC TEER 1 and also work for 30 hours per week remotely for a US company in a similar role, given the situation - your Canadian job earns you core CRS points of 80 while your US remote job also earns you skill transferability points 50.
However, to meet the 1560 or eligibility threshold IRCC only counts a maximum of 30 hours per week across all jobs
Also Read: IRCC Updates Maintained Status Rules for Temporary Residents
Skills Transferability Points in Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
These Skills Transferability Points are only rewarded for combinations of skills, as mentioned below:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Foreign Experience + Language Skills | Up to 50 points for applicants with 3+ years of foreign experience and CLB 7+ in language tests |
| Foreign Experience + Canadian Experience | Up to 50 points if you have at least one year of Canadian experience and additional foreign experience |
Key Criteria to Claim Remote Foreign Work Experience
To be eligible to count you remote work as foreign experience you must meet the following criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Hold Skilled Positions | Must fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 |
| Work Full Time | Must involve minimum of 30 hours of work per week |
| Valid Canadian Work Permit | Must be authorised to legally work in Canada while performing both roles |
| Work Remotely For Foreign Employer | Employer must be located outside Canada And the work must be performed remotely |
| Provide Necessary Documentation Post ITA | Applicant will need to support the following documents with their application:
|
*Since the Express Entry system does not currently allow you to flag remote jobs directly, it's your responsibility to clearly explain and support your situation with required documents as failure to do so may result in a refusal
Also Read: June 2025: Snapshot of Canada Express Entry Pool
Explore Your Opportunities to Securing Canada PR with GetGIS
Remote work can be a powerful way to strengthen your Express Entry profile. Now with IRCC recognising the realities of today's digital work environment, skilled workers have a unique opportunity to leverage every aspect of their professional experience, both local and global.
But success hinges on meeting strict criteria and submitting thorough documentation. To ensure assured success, reach out for dedicated, personalised assistance by GetGIS for timely visa process and seamless integration into Canada.
Also Read:
- Canada Eases Job Transition for Foreign Workers in New Policy
- How Provincial Nominee Program Closures Can Benefit Skilled Workers in Canada
- Is Language Proficiency Key to Canada PR Success in 2025?
- Canada Announces Major Income Tax Cut 2025 to Ease Cost of Living Burden
