According to Maple News, foreign workers in Canada planning a vacation can rest assured—taking time off won’t necessarily disrupt your path to permanent residence (PR) through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) of the Express Entry system. However, not all forms of leave count the same, so it’s critical to understand how the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses work experience.
As a reminder, the CEC requires at least 1,560 hours of skilled work in Canada—equivalent to 30 hours per week for 12 months—within the last three years before applying. The concern for many applicants is whether periods of vacation, holidays, or time away might delay reaching this threshold.
Fortunately, IRCC generally allows for reasonable breaks such as statutory holidays and vacations, provided these are paid or part of your full-time schedule with a Canadian employer. So, if you’re on paid vacation or public holidays, those days will still count toward your qualifying work experience.
Statutory holidays—both national and regional—are recognized as part of eligible work experience. Examples include national holidays such as New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, and Christmas, as well as others depending on your jurisdiction. For workers in federally regulated sectors, additional holidays like Thanksgiving Day and Remembrance Day may also be applicable.
In most cases, if you’re employed and on employer-approved leave—such as annual vacation, paid statutory holidays, or company-recognized time off—you’re still considered to be accumulating Canadian work experience. However, extended unpaid leave or long personal absences may not count, especially if you’re removed from active status or payroll.
Remote work also factors in, as long as it’s for a Canadian employer and you remain physically in Canada during the working period. If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements and your job duties and compensation align with IRCC guidelines, the location of your work—whether in-office or remote—won’t invalidate your hours.
Ultimately, while short breaks and statutory holidays don’t harm your progress, it’s essential to track your hours and employment conditions correctly to stay on course for your PR goals. Applicants should retain clear records of employment to ensure a smooth application process when the time comes.
Maple News encourages all prospective applicants to consult professional advice or directly refer to IRCC guidance when calculating their work experience for immigration purposes.