If you’re a foreign national pursuing permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry system, boosting your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is crucial. One of the most effective, yet lesser-known strategies is learning how to get double the CRS points for work experience by combining Canadian and foreign work experience—at the same time.
Yes, it’s possible—and in some cases, it can increase your CRS score by over 60 points in just one year, dramatically improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Let’s explore how this works, the eligibility requirements, and a real-life example to show just how powerful this method can be.
What Is CRS and Why Work Experience Matters
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based system Canada uses to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. The more points you have, the better your chances of getting an ITA for permanent residency.
Work experience plays a significant role in your CRS score, especially in the Skills Transferability section. By claiming both Canadian and foreign work experience, you may unlock the maximum 100 points available in this category—something that few candidates realize is even possible.
Real-Life Example: Sanjay Reddy’s 63-Point Increase
Let’s look at a real-world scenario to understand how this works.
Sanjay Reddy, a 28-year-old Indian graduate, is working in Canada under a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). He’s employed full-time as a full-stack developer (a TEER 1 NOC occupation). With one year of Canadian experience, Sanjay qualifies under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and has a CRS score of 470.
Now here’s where things get interesting: Sanjay accepts a remote job with an Indian tech company. He continues his Canadian job during the day and works remotely for the Indian firm at night—both roles are full-time, paid, and classified under TEER 1.
After one year, Sanjay has:
- 2 years of Canadian work experience
- 1 year of foreign work experience
This combination increases his Skills Transferability points from 38 to 100—a 62-point jump, raising his CRS score to 533.
This score is well above the cut-offs for recent CEC draws, greatly improving his odds of receiving an ITA.
Can You Really Claim Double the CRS Points?
Yes—but only if you meet all the requirements for both Canadian and foreign work experience under Express Entry. Here’s how it works:
✅ Canadian Work Experience Must:
- Be full-time (30+ hours/week)
- Be paid (not volunteer or unpaid internships)
- Be completed in Canada
- Be under a valid work permit
- Fall within NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
- Not include experience gained on a study permit (e.g., co-op terms)
✅ Foreign Work Experience Must:
- Be paid
- Be legally authorized in the country of employment
- Fall within NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
- Be completed outside Canada (or remotely for a foreign employer while physically in Canada)
📝 Important: Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does accept remote work for foreign employers as eligible foreign work experience—but it’s reviewed case-by-case, and documentation is critical.
How to Gain Both Work Experiences Simultaneously
To qualify for double the CRS points for work experience, you must:
- Work a full-time paid job in Canada (Canadian employer, with a valid work permit).
- Simultaneously hold a remote full-time paid job with a foreign employer.
- Accurately document your working hours, job duties, pay, and employer details.
- Maintain the work authorization conditions for both roles.
- Make sure each job meets the NOC TEER 0–3 requirement.
By meeting these conditions, you can claim two years of work experience (one Canadian, one foreign) for the same 12-month period. This can yield the maximum CRS points for work experience in the Express Entry system.
Work Experience Limits and Clarifications
Under Express Entry:
- 30 hours/week is the cap. Working 40+ hours per week won’t earn extra points.
- You can claim up to two jobs, each at 30 hours/week, one foreign and one Canadian.
- Work experience gained while studying (in most cases) doesn’t count toward CRS points.
Documentation Is Key
Because this strategy can raise eyebrows with IRCC officers, it’s essential to:
- Keep detailed pay slips, job offers, and contracts
- Provide clear job descriptions showing your hours and responsibilities
- Submit proof of work location (e.g., remote access logs, emails)
- Show you maintained full-time hours for both roles
Failure to provide complete documentation could lead to your work experience being rejected or your CRS points reduced.
Programs That Count This Experience
Here’s how different Express Entry streams treat work experience:
✅ Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Requires at least 1 year of full-time Canadian work within the last 3 years.
- Work must be under valid work authorization and be paid.
✅ Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Requires 1 year of continuous foreign or Canadian work in the last 10 years.
- Can include work done while studying (but not for CRS points).
✅ Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Requires 2 years of full-time skilled trade work in the last 5 years.
- Work must be authorized and paid.
Also Read: What the 2025 Canada’s Liberal Party Government Means for Canada’s Immigration Policy
Why This Strategy Works
Many candidates max out points in one category but leave others underutilized. By working both Canadian and foreign jobs at the same time, you’re effectively doubling the potential CRS boost.
This method is particularly useful for:
- Recent graduates on PGWP
- Skilled workers temporarily in Canada
- Remote workers with international opportunities
Final Thoughts: Should You Try This Strategy?
If you’re eligible and capable of handling two full-time roles, this could be your ticket to faster Canadian PR. However, be mindful:
- Ensure all your work meets Express Entry eligibility
- Don’t overload yourself to the point of burnout
- Keep impeccable documentation
At Mansory Immigration Consultants, we help clients navigate complex Express Entry scenarios like this every day. If you’re interested in learning how to get double the CRS points for work experience, we can guide you through the process, step-by-step.
