What The New Work Experience Requirements Mean For Category-Based Express Entry Candidates

IRCC has made changes to the minimum amount of work experience an Express Entry candidate needs to be considered for most occupations in category-based selection. As of February 18, 2026, eligible work experience starts at one year instead of six months.

Changing the work experience requirement is the first update we've seen to Express Entry this year, and there could be more. When announcing the updated Express Entry categories, Minister Diab said, "We're refining how we select and score candidates in the Express Entry system. Open dialogue is central to our decision making."

IRCC says the change in work experience requirement will "help select candidates who are more likely to succeed in their field in Canada."