Question About Foreign Work Experience While in Canada

[Nisarg@8490]

Hi everyone,

I have a question about foreign work experience for Express Entry.

I am currently an international student in Canada on a study permit. I am considering working remotely (work from home) for an Indian company while I am physically living in Canada.

I would like to know:

1. Can this remote work experience be counted as foreign work experience for Express Entry/FSWP?
2. Does it matter that I am physically working from Canada for a foreign (Indian) employer?
3. If I do this work while I am on a study permit, can it count as foreign work experience?
4. If I do the same type of remote work while I am on a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), can it count as foreign work experience?
5. Would this experience provide any CRS points for foreign work experience?

The company is based in India, and I would be working remotely from Canada.

I would really appreciate it if anyone with experience in this situation or an immigration professional could clarify this.

Thank you!

 

[sarzamineno]

Hi,
This situation can be confusing because for Express Entry, the location of the employer and the location where the work is physically performed can both be relevant.
Generally, for foreign work experience under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the work experience must be gained outside Canada. If you are physically in Canada while performing remote work for a foreign company, the experience may not necessarily be considered foreign work experience.
Being paid by an Indian company does not automatically make the experience "foreign" if the actual work is performed while you are in Canada.
Also, work performed while holding a study permit can have additional considerations because your authorization to work in Canada and the conditions of your permit are important.
For PGWP holders, the situation may be different depending on where the work is performed and the specific immigration program requirements. It is important to review the details of the employment, location of work, and the program criteria before relying on it for CRS points.
For anyone in this situation, checking the exact requirements of IRCC or getting professional advice based on their personal circumstances would be recommended.