Why Every Job Matters on Your PR Application

Failing to declare past employment doesn’t automatically mean refusal, but it can put you at risk of misrepresentation, and that risk is never worth taking. 

Declaring Employment: What IRCC Is Asking For 

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its regulations, applicants are legally required to answer all questions truthfully and completely. This includes declaring all past employment history when requested (the last 10 years or since age 18, whichever is most recent, unless additional information is requested). Not just the roles that align with your current career or increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for PR. 

This obligation applies regardless of: 

• whether the job was full-time or part-time
   

• whether it was skilled or unskilled
   

• whether it earns CRS points
   

• whether you have documents to support it 

It’s a fairly common mistake in Express Entry PR applications, since some applicants are unsure whether to declare jobs when reference letters aren’t available. This uncertainty often leads to confusion about what IRCC expects. However, you are not required to provide documents for every job you declare, but you are required to be honest about your job history. 

Leaving out employment simply because you lack a reference letter is not what IRCC is looking for, and can raise concerns if inconsistencies in your application appear later in the process. 

Where to declare your work experience 

Where you list your work experience depends on the pathway you’re applying through and how the question is worded in the application forms. For instance, if you are applying for permanent residence through Express Entry, the work experience section should include only the jobs you’re claiming points for and that contribute to your eligibility. Any other work experience should be listed in your personal history section. 

If, while declaring your work history for a PR application, you notice discrepancies between what you are declaring now and what you declared in a past application, it is best to consult a licensed immigration representative. They can help you address the issue properly and reduce the risk of mistakes or misrepresentation concerns. 

Why Officers Need the Full Picture 

Immigration officers are not only assessing eligibility; they are evaluating credibility and consistency. Unexplained gaps or missing details in your application can lead officers to question whether information was intentionally withheld. Even when there was no intent to deceive, these gaps can still be interpreted as potential misrepresentation. 

Misrepresentation can have serious consequences. IRCC can refuse your application, and could even result in a five-year ban on applying for or entering Canada.  

Final Thoughts 

Your work history on your PR application is part of an official document, not simply a resume, so accuracy and transparency are essential. When it comes to your work history, it’s safest to declare everything, even if a role doesn’t earn points, documents are limited, or you don’t plan to rely on it for eligibility. 

Jobs that may seem minor or unrelated help provide a complete picture of your experience and show IRCC that you are being open and upfront. When in doubt, it’s always better to disclose, as honesty plays an important role in building a strong and successful immigration application.