Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry

Q: Can I work in different occupations to qualify for CEC?

Yes, you can accumulate your one year (1,560 hours) of skilled work experience across different occupations, as long as all jobs fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Your experience does not need to be in a single occupation, but all positions must meet the eligibility criteria.

Q: How does IRCC calculate my work experience for CEC?

IRCC counts only full-time (30 hours per week) or equivalent part-time experience towards the required 1,560 hours over a minimum of 52 weeks (1 year). If you worked: More than 30 hours per week – IRCC will only count a maximum of 30 hours per week, meaning extra hours will not accelerate your eligibility. Less than 30 hours per week – You must continue working until you reach the required 1,560 hours, even if it takes longer than a year. To understand how your specific work schedule impacts your eligibility, schedule an appointment with our office.

Q: Does my experience count while I am working, or only after I complete 1,560 hours?

Your work experience counts as you accumulate it, but you can only apply for CEC once you have completed the full 1,560 hours over a minimum of 52 weeks. You cannot apply before meeting this requirement.

Q: How much work experience do I need for CEC?

You must complete at least 1,560 hours of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying. This can be achieved through: Full-time work (30 hours per week for 12 months) Part-time work (e.g., 15 hours per week for 24 months) Combination of full-time and part-time work All experience must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.

Q: I worked 45 hours per week for 6 months, then 15 hours per week for another 6 months. Does this qualify?

No, IRCC caps the maximum eligible hours at 30 per week. Even if you worked 45 hours per week, only 30 hours per week will count.Since you also worked 15 hours per week for 6 months, you would still need additional work experience to meet the 1,560-hour requirement. Each case is unique—schedule a consultation with our office to assess your situation and eligibility.

Q: Can I apply if I worked in multiple jobs at the same time?

Yes, as long as all jobs were in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, you can combine multiple part-time positions to meet the 1,560-hour requirement. However, you still cannot count more than 30 hours per week towards your total.

Q: Does self-employment or work done as a student count for CEC?

No, self-employed work and work experience gained while studying (co-op, internships, or off-campus work) do not count towards the CEC work experience requirement.

Q: I completed my work experience more than three years ago. Can I still apply?

Yes, your 1,560 hours of work experience must have been gained within the last 10 years before applying.

Q: Do I need proof of settlement funds for CEC?

No, CEC applicants do not need to provide proof of settlement funds since they are already working and settled in Canada.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

What this page covers

CEC counts skilled work performed in Canada, for a Canadian employer, while you held authorisation to work. Self employment does not count, and neither does work done while you were a full time student.

Your Canadian work experience is a powerful asset, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) helps turn it into a pathway to permanent residency. If you’ve studied and worked in Canada or gained skilled work experience here, the CEC is designed for fast-track immigration through Express Entry.

At SAAB Immigration Services Inc., we specialize in guiding international graduates and skilled workers through the CEC application process, helping them secure PR and build a long-term future in Canada.

How Does CEC Compare to the Other Programs?

No Proof of Settlement Funds Required, Unlike FSWP and FSTP, CEC candidates are not required to show proof of funds.
Fastest Express Entry Processing, Since CEC candidates are already in Canada, PR applications are typically processed in as little as 6 months.

Work Experience in Canada Counts More, Canadian work experience significantly boosts CRS scores, giving CEC candidates an edge over others.
No Education Requirement, While education can improve CRS scores, there is no mandatory requirement to apply under CEC.

Would a Considered View on Your Canadian Experience Class Options Help?

Most applicants have more than one route available and rarely the same one they arrived expecting. SAAB Immigration Services Inc. offers a complimentary ten minute consultation to set out the options that genuinely apply to your situation. There is no obligation.

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Who Is Eligible for the Canadian Experience Class?

To qualify under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), you must meet the following requirements:

Skilled Canadian Work Experience

At least 1 year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in Canada within the last 3 years in skilled occupations under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

Language Proficiency

To qualify, you must meet CLB 7, If your work experience is in a TEER 0 or 1 job (e.g., managers, engineers, IT professionals) AND CLB 5, If your work experience is in a TEER 2 or 3 job (e.g., skilled trades, administrative support).

Express Entry Profile & CRS Score

Even though CEC candidates have an advantage, they still need to Create an Express Entry profile; Receive a CRS score based on factors like work experience, age, education, and language ability; Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in an Express Entry draw.

CEC & Express Entry: How They Work Together

The Canadian Experience Class is a key part of Express Entry, allowing candidates to obtain PR faster than other programs.

Step-by-Step Process for CEC via Express Entry

Create an Express Entry profile and indicate CEC eligibility.
Enter the Express Entry pool and receive a CRS score based on work experience, education, language ability, and other factors.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your CRS score meets the cut-off in a draw.
Submit a complete PR application within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
Receive PR approval in as little as 6 months (average processing time).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in different occupations to qualify for CEC?

Yes, you can accumulate your one year (1,560 hours) of skilled work experience across different occupations, as long as all jobs fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Your experience does not need to be in a single occupation, but all positions must meet the eligibility criteria.

How does IRCC calculate my work experience for CEC?

IRCC counts only full-time (30 hours per week) or equivalent part-time experience towards the required 1,560 hours over a minimum of 52 weeks (1 year).

If you worked:

More than 30 hours per week, IRCC will only count a maximum of 30 hours per week, meaning extra hours will not accelerate your eligibility.
Less than 30 hours per week, You must continue working until you reach the required 1,560 hours, even if it takes longer than a year.

To understand how your specific work schedule impacts your eligibility, schedule an appointment with our office.

Does my experience count while I am working, or only after I complete 1,560 hours?

Your work experience counts as you accumulate it, but you can only apply for CEC once you have completed the full 1,560 hours over a minimum of 52 weeks. You cannot apply before meeting this requirement.

How much work experience do I need for CEC?

You must complete at least 1,560 hours of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying. This can be achieved through:

Full-time work (30 hours per week for 12 months)
Part-time work (e.g., 15 hours per week for 24 months)
Combination of full-time and part-time work

All experience must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.

I worked 45 hours per week for 6 months, then 15 hours per week for another 6 months. Does this qualify?

No, IRCC caps the maximum eligible hours at 30 per week. Even if you worked 45 hours per week, only 30 hours per week will count.
Since you also worked 15 hours per week for 6 months, you would still need additional work experience to meet the 1,560-hour requirement.

Each case is unique, schedule a consultation with our office to assess your situation and eligibility.

Can I apply if I worked in multiple jobs at the same time?

Yes, as long as all jobs were in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, you can combine multiple part-time positions to meet the 1,560-hour requirement. However, you still cannot count more than 30 hours per week towards your total.

Does self-employment or work done as a student count for CEC?

No, self-employed work and work experience gained while studying (co-op, internships, or off-campus work) do not count towards the CEC work experience requirement.

I completed my work experience more than three years ago. Can I still apply?

Yes, your 1,560 hours of work experience must have been gained within the last 10 years before applying.

Do I need proof of settlement funds for CEC?

No, CEC applicants do not need to provide proof of settlement funds since they are already working and settled in Canada.

Plan Your Canadian Experience Class Application Properly, the First Time

A refused application follows an applicant into everything that comes after it, which is why the preparation matters more than the submission. We will review your circumstances and documents together, address the risks before they reach an officer, and set out exactly what is required.

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