SHOCK CHANGE: Ottawa DOUBLES work experience demands for Express Entry hopefuls

Hopeful immigrants are reeling today.

The federal government has quietly tightened the screws on Canada’s Express Entry system, suddenly demanding TWICE as much work experience from skilled workers.

Under drastic new rules unveiled this week, candidates vying for coveted spots in occupational categories must now prove 12 months of eligible work experience within the past three years.

That is a staggering increase from the previous six-month requirement.

The change affects every single occupational category under Express Entry, leaving thousands of potential applicants scrambling to recalculate their eligibility.

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS

But there is a crucial silver lining.

Immigration officials confirmed the 12 months of required experience does NOT need to be continuous. Candidates can accumulate the hours across multiple employers and breaks in employment.

However, the work must fall within an eligible occupation and occur within the last three years. Any experience older than that is now effectively worthless.

Immigration experts warn this shift could devastate recent graduates and career-changers who were counting on the old six-month threshold.

“This is a game-changer,” one Toronto consultant told Canada Visa Monitor. “People who had their paperwork ready are now locked out.”

Applicants are urged to check their eligibility immediately before further restrictions take hold.

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