What the Canadian Experience Class requires
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the Express Entry program for people who already have skilled work experience in Canada. You need at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work in the last 3 years and CLB 7 (TEER 0 or 1 jobs) or CLB 5 (TEER 2 or 3 jobs) in all four language skills.
- Work: 1,560 hours of paid, skilled work (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3) in Canada with proper authorization, within 3 years before you apply.
- Language: CLB 7 for TEER 0/1, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3.
- Plan to live outside Quebec.
- Self-employment and work while a full-time student do not count.
CEC points: use the CRS calculator
There is no separate CEC points grid. Once eligible, you are ranked by the same Comprehensive Ranking System. Under the 3 November 2026 rules, CEC candidates gain the most from the new high-wage bonus: up to 80 points for 5 years of Canadian work plus up to 70 if 12+ months were in a high-wage occupation. Calculate your full CRS score.
CEC draw history 2026
| Date | Invitations | Lowest CRS |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2026 | 2,500 | 519 |
| Sep 29, 2026 | 2,000 | 518 |
| Sep 15, 2026 | 2,000 | 519 |
| Sep 1, 2026 | 2,000 | 521 |
| Aug 18, 2026 | 1,000 | 523 |
| Aug 5, 2026 | 3,000 | 516 |
| Jul 21, 2026 | 2,000 | 516 |
| Jul 7, 2026 | 2,000 | 517 |
| Jun 23, 2026 | 4,000 | 516 |
| May 27, 2026 | 3,000 | 518 |
| Apr 28, 2026 | 2,000 | 514 |
| Apr 14, 2026 | 2,000 | 515 |
| Mar 31, 2026 | 2,250 | 509 |
| Mar 17, 2026 | 4,000 | 507 |
Frequently asked questions
What CRS score do I need for CEC?
Recent CEC-only rounds needed between 507 and 523. The latest, on October 15, 2026, closed at 519.
How many hours count as one year of Canadian experience?
1,560 hours, which is 30 hours a week for 12 months full-time, or the same total part-time. Hours above 30 a week do not count.
Does work as a student count for CEC?
No. Work done while you were a full-time student, including co-op terms, does not count toward the CEC experience requirement.
Do I need education for CEC?
No education is required for CEC eligibility, but education adds CRS points, so include it with an ECA if it is foreign.
Did the November 2026 changes help CEC candidates?
Yes for many. Canadian work in a high-wage occupation now adds up to 70 extra points on top of up to 80 for length of experience.