Q & A: Skilled Worker Application – work experience

author avatar
CIC News
Published: December 1, 2004

Question: I am in the process of submitting an application for permanent residence as a skilled worker. Can I be awarded points for unpaid work performed outside of Canada?

Answer: No. Work is defined in section 1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations as : “an activity for which wages are paid or commission is earned..”

In some limited circumstances, it may be possible that points can be obtained for unpaid work performed in Canada on temporary work permit.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
Canada is already returning citizenship certificates it demanded days ago from lost Canadians
British Columbia extends over 270 invitations to high economic impact candidates in latest draw
Canada moves to enshrine early access to work permits for asylum seekers
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Work
Canada moves to enshrine early access to work permits for asylum seekers
Ottawa has moved to make permanent the ability for asylum claimants to obtain faster access to work permits.
Canada eases access to work permits for provincial nominees
Provincial nominees and their spouses now have faster access to work permits.
Wait time drops for in-Canada work permit applications and extensions
LMIA wait times improve for select Temporary Foreign Worker Program streams
As of April 2026, some employers are seeing their LMIA applications processed faster.
Link copied to clipboard