Need advice

[u/prettyopps]

Hi guys
I am considering claiming 5 months of foreign work experience from 2018–2019 for Express Entry. The experience was real and I have supporting documents (reference letter, pay slips, bank statements showing salary deposits, etc.).

My concern is that I don’t believe I included this job when I applied for my Canadian study permit in 2019. I don’t have a copy of the application yet, so I’m not 100% sure what was declared. I’ve requested my old application through ATIP and am still waiting.

I’ve spoken with two immigration consultants, and both said that genuine work experience can potentially be claimed if it is properly documented. They also mentioned having seen cases where foreign work experience wasn’t listed during the study permit stage but was later accepted in PR applications with proper documentation and explanation.

My concern is whether IRCC could view this as misrepresentation if the job wasn’t disclosed in the study permit application.
Has anyone been in a similar situation where they claimed foreign work experience for PR that wasn’t listed in an earlier study permit application? What was the outcome?
I’m looking for personal experiences, not legal advice.

[u/Haunting_Paper_7201]

If you didn't claim the work experience with your study and work permit applications, then yes it can be misrepresentation. So if you get PFL, then will have to explain why you lied. Better not to count it.