Can foreign skilled work experience completed at age 16–17 count for Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry)?

[noname_123]

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Hi everyone,


I have a somewhat unusual situation and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has personal experience or professional knowledge regarding this.


I am planning to apply for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program in the future.


From April 2022 to August 2023 (approximately 16 months), I worked in India as a Junior Computer Programming Instructor at a registered private computer training institute.


Some details:

• The work was paid (approximately ₹25,000 per month).
• I worked approximately 30 hours/week during the school year and 40 hours/week during summer, so I completed well over 1,560 hours.
• My duties included:
  • Teaching C++, Java, Python, Microsoft Excel, and basic computer skills
  • Preparing lesson plans, notes, programming exercises, and teaching materials
  • Conducting classroom sessions and practical labs
  • Preparing and supervising examinations
  • Evaluating student performance and assisting students individually
• The employer can provide a detailed employment reference letter and is willing to verify my employment if contacted by IRCC.
• The institution is a legitimate registered computer education institute in India.

The unusual part is that I was 16–17 years old during this employment while I was also attending high school.


From reading the IRCC website, I understand that Federal Skilled Worker work experience:

• must be paid,
• must be continuous,
• must be in a TEER 0–3 occupation,
• and can include work performed while studying.

However, I have not found any official IRCC guidance stating whether work completed before turning 18 is treated differently.


I have a few questions:

1. Has anyone successfully claimed foreign skilled work experience that was completed before age 18?
2. Did IRCC request additional evidence because of your age?
3. Did they contact your employer?
4. Was your application approved using that work experience?
5. If you are an RCIC or immigration lawyer, have you represented clients in a similar situation?

I'm not looking for guesses—I would especially appreciate responses from people with first-hand experience, licensed immigration professionals, or anyone who has seen an actual IRCC decision in a similar case.


Thank you very much!

 

[scylla]

FYI - if you are looking for advice from a licensed immigration professional, that's something you will need to pay for. There are none here providing free advice.