How much and what kind of work experience does the Federal Skilled Worker Program require?

To qualify, you must have at least one year of continuous full-time paid work experience, or the equivalent in part-time, within the last 10 years. The work must be in a skilled occupation under the National Occupational Classification, and you must have performed the duties of that occupation, including the essential ones.

Volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count, and the experience must be paid. The occupation must be skilled (generally professional, managerial, technical, or skilled categories), which is why confirming your NOC classification is an important early step.