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Canadian Experience Class Work Experience Rules: NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 & 3 Explained
Last Updated On: January 30, 2026
For the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), work-experience rules are not different for individual NOC codes. IRCC applies the same eligibility requirements to all occupations. What truly matters is whether your Canadian work experience falls under an eligible TEER category and meets the basic conditions—paid work, authorized employment, at least 12 months (1,560 hours) in Canada, completed within the last three years.
The TEER category plays a critical role in CEC eligibility. Only work experience under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 is accepted for CEC. Jobs classified under TEER 4 or 5 do not count, even if they were full-time and paid in Canada. While the specific NOC code does not change the rules, selecting the correct NOC with matching job duties is essential to avoid refusal and ensure your experience is counted properly.
What is the Canadian Experience Class?
CEC is basically Canada saying, “We like what you’ve done here, and we want you to stay.” It’s part of the Express Entry system, designed for people who already have Canadian work experience and want to make it permanent.
Here’s the essentials:
- One year of skilled work in Canada within the last three years (full-time or part-time equivalent).
- Language skills: You need to show proficiency in English or French.
- Intent to live outside Quebec: Quebec has its own programs.
Understanding NOC TEER Categories
You might have heard of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
It basically decides which jobs are skilled. In 2022, Canada replaced the old skill levels with TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities). Before applying, it is better to know the top jobs that qualify for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) PR in 2026.
If you’re eyeing CEC, your work has to be in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Here’s a breakdown:
- TEER 0 — Management jobs: Restaurant managers, mine managers, IT project leads.
- TEER 1 — University degree jobs: Software engineers, architects, financial analysts.
- TEER 2 — College diploma/apprenticeship: Chefs, medical lab technologists, certain tech roles.
- TEER 3 — College diploma/apprenticeship: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters.
Pro Tip: Double-check your NOC TEER category. Misclassifying your job is a common mistake — and it can derail your CEC application.
CEC Full-Time vs Part-Time Work Experience (Canada PR)
For the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry, full-time and part-time work experience are treated equally by IRCC as long as the total hours requirement is met. The key requirement is 1,560 hours of paid, skilled Canadian work experience completed within the last 3 years in an eligible TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. There is no preference given to full-time work over part-time work for CEC eligibility.
CEC Work Experience Comparison (Official IRCC Rules)
| Criteria | Full-Time Work | Part-Time Work |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Hours | 30 hours/week | Any hours below 30/week |
| Time Required | 12 months | Flexible (longer duration) |
| Total Hours Needed | 1,560 hours | 1,560 hours |
| Eligible for CEC | Yes | Yes |
| Paid Employment | Required | Required |
| Multiple Employers Allowed | Yes | Yes |
| TEER Level Required | TEER 0–3 | TEER 0–3 |
How IRCC Calculates CEC Hours
-
30 hours/week × 52 weeks = 1,560 hours
-
Work can be continuous or combined, but self-employment and student work do not count.
Important Compliance Notes
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Work must be authorized (PGWP, LMIA-based permit, etc.).
-
Duties must closely match the selected NOC description.
-
Unpaid work, volunteer roles, and internships are excluded.
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Hours worked beyond 30 hours/week are not counted extra.
CEC work experience within last 3 years Canada
Here’s where things get interesting. Not all internships make the cut — but paid ones can. The key is meeting these conditions:
- It must be paid — unpaid co-ops or volunteer work won’t count.
- You need a valid work permit.
- The job must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- It has to meet the minimum duration requirements (usually 12 months full-time equivalent).
For example, imagine Raj did a paid IT internship for a year in Toronto. It’s TEER 1. That experience counts toward CEC eligibility. But if it was unpaid? Sorry — no dice.
Having a canadian internship is known as fastest Canada PR pathway as it will boost your CRS score , increae ranking in express entry pool and being prioritised for being selected for canada permament residency.
Does Canadian work experience count for CEC PR
Absolutely. Many people think only full-time work matters. Not true. You just need to calculate it correctly.
- Full-time equivalent: 12 months = 1,560 hours.
- Combine part-time hours: Worked 15–20 hours/week? You can stack months to reach full-time equivalent.
- Paid only: Remember, volunteer hours don’t count.
- TEER classification still applies.
So, if Maria worked 15 hours per week for two years, that could count as one year of full-time experience. Small hours add up if you track them correctly.
Extra Tips to Nail Your CEC Application
- Language matters: Strong English or French scores aren’t just a formality — they boost your points.
- Continuous employment counts: Big gaps can raise questions. Plan your work history carefully.
- Check admissibility: Criminal or immigration issues? Fix those first.
- Be clear about living outside Quebec: It’s a hard rule.
By following these points, you can significantly reduce the chances of your Canada CEC application being refused.
Real-Life Example
Take Lisa, an IT grad from Australia. She did a 12-month paid software developer internship (TEER 1) while finishing her studies. Then she worked part-time 20 hours/week for another year.
Because:
- It was paid
- Both roles were TEER 1
- Hours added up to full-time equivalent
…she qualified for CEC without ever holding a traditional full-time job. That’s the kind of strategy that works.
Conclusion
CEC work experience isn’t complicated if you understand the rules.
Focus on:
- TEER classification
- Paid work
- Duration and hours
- Legal work status
Paid internships and part-time work can absolutely count — just document carefully. Canada wants skilled professionals who know the system. Your job history should tell that story.