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Proof of Work Experience — Express Entry

What Documents You Need to Support Your Application

When applying through Express Entry, you must prove that your work experience meets the requirements of your program. This page explains what types of work experience qualify and what documents IRCC accepts as proof.

Qualifying Work Experience by Program

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • Canadian work experience in an occupation listed in one or more of these NOC TEER categories:
    • TEER 0
    • TEER 1
    • TEER 2
    • TEER 3

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

  • Work experience in an occupation listed in one of these NOC TEER categories:
    • TEER 0
    • TEER 1
    • TEER 2
    • TEER 3

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

  • Work experience in a skilled trade under these NOC TEER 2 or TEER 3 groups:
    • Major Group 72 — Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers (excluding Sub-Major Group 726)
    • Major Group 73 — General trades
    • Major Group 82 — Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related production
    • Major Group 83 — Natural resources and related production
    • Major Group 92 — Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors, and utilities operators and controllers
    • Major Group 93 — Central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors (excluding Sub-Major Group 932)
    • Minor Group 6320 — Cooks, butchers and bakers
    • Unit Group 62200 — Chefs

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What Documents Are Accepted as Proof of Work Experience?

IRCC accepts the following documents to confirm your employment history:

  • Employment contracts
  • Pay stubs
  • Reference letters from employers — must include your job duties, dates of employment, and salary
  • Tax documents — T4s, notices of assessment, and similar documents

Tip: Reference letters are the most commonly requested document. Make sure each letter is on official company letterhead, signed by your supervisor or HR manager, and includes your job title, duties, hours of work, dates of employment, and salary.

For the complete and current list of accepted supporting documents, visit the IRCC Common Supporting Documents page.

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What If You Cannot Get a Document?

If you cannot obtain a required document due to circumstances outside your control — such as a personal situation, processing delays in another country, war, or natural disaster — you can explain this to IRCC.

How to tell IRCC you cannot get a document:

  1. Write a letter explaining why you cannot get the document or why it is taking longer than expected
  2. Collect any supporting documents — such as receipts or correspondence
  3. Include your letter in your application:
    • If applying online — combine your letter and supporting documents into one file and upload it in place of the missing document
    • If applying on paper — add it to your application package

Important: Not including a required document without explanation may result in your application being delayed, returned to you, or refused.

Special rule for missing police certificates: If you cannot obtain a police certificate, your letter must also:

  • Explain all efforts you made to get the certificate
  • Include proof that you requested it from the correct authority — such as a payment receipt, delivery notice, tracking number, or correspondence from the issuing authority

Submitting a letter and proof of effort does not guarantee IRCC will accept them. Each case is reviewed individually by an officer.

What IRCC may do after receiving your letter:

  • Contact you if more information is needed
  • Grant you an extension to submit the document
  • Determine your application is complete without the document and continue processing
  • Make a final decision based on the documents you submitted

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Any document not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Try to obtain documents from former colleagues, accountants, or tax records. If you truly cannot obtain a reference letter, explain the situation in a letter to IRCC with any supporting evidence you have.

Self-employment may be accepted under FSWP but has strict documentation requirements. You must prove the nature of your business, your role, and your income. Book a consultation to review your specific situation.

  • CEC — at least 1 year within the last 3 years
  • FSWP — at least 1 year within the last 10 years
  • FSTP — at least 2 years within the last 5 years

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Related Resources

Need Help?

Gathering and organizing your work experience documents can be complex — especially if you have worked in multiple countries or for multiple employers. We can review your documents and ensure your application is complete.

📞 Call us: 647-409-2220 🌐 Visit: ghasedak.ca 📩 Start with a free eligibility assessment — book your consultation today.