CEC requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Canadian work experience | 1 year (1,560 hours) of skilled, paid work in Canada in the last 3 years |
| Occupation | TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 |
| Language | CLB 7 (TEER 0–1) or CLB 5 (TEER 2–3) in all four skills |
| Education | Not required (but earns CRS points) |
| Proof of funds | Not required |
| Where you'll live | Anywhere in Canada except Quebec |
| Admissibility | No serious criminal, medical or misrepresentation issues |
Canadian work experience rules
This is where most CEC mistakes happen. Your work must be:
- In Canada, while you had legal authorization to work (work permit, PGWP, or authorized off-campus work rules)
- Skilled: in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation under NOC 2021
- Paid: wages or commission. Unpaid internships and volunteer work don't count
- Full-time or equal part-time: 1,560 hours total. That's 30 hours/week for 12 months, or part-time over a longer period
- Within the 3 years before you apply
What doesn't count
- Self-employment, including most independent contractor work (some physicians providing publicly funded services are an exception)
- Work done while you were a full-time student, including co-op terms
- Hours above 30 per week (extra hours don't make the year shorter)
- Work without proper authorization
Can I combine jobs?
Yes. You can combine more than one skilled job, at the same time or one after another, to reach 1,560 hours. Each job must be in a TEER 0–3 occupation, and you need proof for each.
Does my job title matter?
No. IRCC looks at your duties. Your reference letters must show that you did the lead statement and most of the main duties of the NOC code you claim.
Language requirement
| Your job | Minimum level in all four skills |
|---|---|
| TEER 0 or 1 | CLB 7 |
| TEER 2 or 3 | CLB 5 |
If your qualifying experience includes jobs in different TEER levels, meet the higher requirement to be safe.
Approved tests: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada, TCF Canada. Results must be valid (less than 2 years old) when you create your profile and when you submit your PR application.
Tip: The minimum gets you into the pool, but it rarely gets you an invitation. CLB 9 or higher makes a big difference to your CRS score.
CEC and Express Entry draws
Meeting CEC rules puts you in the Express Entry pool. To get an Invitation to Apply (ITA), your CRS score must reach the cut-off of a draw you're eligible for:
- CEC-only draws: only CEC candidates compete
- General draws: everyone competes
- Category-based draws: if your experience is in healthcare and social services, STEM, trades, education or transport, or you speak French
- PNP draws: if you have a provincial nomination (+600 points)
PGWP to PR through CEC
For international graduates, the typical path is:
- Graduate and get a PGWP.
- Find a skilled job (TEER 0–3) as soon as possible.
- Work 12 months full-time (1,560 hours).
- Take or retake a language test, aiming for CLB 9+.
- Create your Express Entry profile as soon as you reach 12 months.
- Apply to the BC PNP at the same time if you have a BC job offer.
- Get an ITA, then submit your PR application within 60 days.
- Keep working: if your PGWP is ending, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit.
Watch the clock. A PGWP can't be extended. Plan early, so you don't run out of status before your PR is approved.
Documents you'll need
- Passport
- Language test results
- Reference letters from each Canadian employer: job title, duties, dates, hours per week, salary, signature, company letterhead and contact details
- T4 slips and Notices of Assessment for your Canadian work years
- Pay stubs and employment contracts
- Work permits for each period of work
- ECA (only if you want points for foreign education)
- Police certificates, medical exam, photos
- Family documents (marriage certificate, children's birth certificates)
Common CEC mistakes
| Mistake | Result |
|---|---|
| Counting co-op or work during full-time study | Not enough eligible experience: refusal |
| Wrong NOC code | Experience not accepted |
| Counting self-employment | Experience not accepted |
| Reference letter missing hours or duties | Request for documents or refusal |
| Counting work after your permit expired (without maintained status) | Unauthorized work: refusal or worse |
| Language test expires before submitting PR | Application refused |
| Not counting hours properly (e.g. 40 h/week) | Applying before you reach 1,560 eligible hours |
How Trueman Immigration helps
- CEC eligibility check: we count your eligible hours, job by job
- NOC review: the right code with matching duties
- Reference letter guidance for your employer
- CRS strategy: language, French, PNP and category draws
- Express Entry profile creation and updates
- PR application after your ITA
- Bridging Open Work Permit if your permit is ending