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CEC Hours Calculator: Count Your 1,560 Hours of Canadian Experience
The Canadian Experience Class needs 1,560 hours of paid, skilled work in Canada in the 3 years before you apply. Add each job to see the hours IRCC would count and the date you reach 1,560.
- Free
- No sign-up
- Runs in your browser
- Data as of October 2026
Counts up to 30 hours a week across all jobs combined (IRCC’s cap), only within the last 3 years, and leaves out work that IRCC excludes. Runs in your browser — nothing is sent or stored. Estimate only, not legal advice.
Key facts
- You need 1,560 hours of skilled work in Canada within the 3 years before you apply.
- At most 30 hours a week count, across all jobs combined.
- Only TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 jobs count, paid and authorized.
- Work while a full-time student and self-employment do not count.
- Hours older than 3 years drop out as time passes.
How many hours do I need for the Canadian Experience Class?
You need 1,560 hours of paid skilled work in Canada within the 3 years before you apply. That equals 30 hours a week for 12 months, or a longer period of part-time work.
| Weekly hours counted | Time to reach 1,560 hours |
|---|---|
| 30 hours (full time, or more) | 52 weeks |
| 20 hours | 78 weeks (about 18 months) |
| 15 hours | 104 weeks (2 years) |
Working 45 hours a week does not get you there faster. IRCC counts a maximum of 30 hours in any week.
How are hours from two part-time jobs counted?
Hours from all qualifying jobs are added, then capped at 30 a week. Two part-time jobs of 20 and 15 hours count as 30 hours a week, so you reach 1,560 hours in 52 weeks.
| Job A: 20 hours a week | 20 |
| Job B: 15 hours a week | 15 |
| Combined | 35 |
| Counted per week (cap) | 30 |
| Hours after 52 weeks | 1,560 |
Which work counts toward the CEC?
Paid work in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation, done in Canada while you were authorized to work. Remote work counts only if you were physically in Canada working for a Canadian employer.
Not sure of your TEER level? Look it up with the NOC code finder.
What work does not count for the CEC?
Work done while you were a full-time student, self-employment, volunteer work and TEER 4 or 5 jobs do not count, even if your permit allowed them.
- Co-op terms and other work while a full-time student.
- Self-employment, freelancing and gig-app work.
- Volunteer work and unpaid internships.
- TEER 4 and 5 jobs, even on a post-graduation work permit.
What should I do after I reach 1,560 hours?
Meeting the CEC lets you enter the Express Entry pool; it does not guarantee an invitation. Check your CRS score and language level next.
- Estimate your score with the CRS calculator and compare it with recent CEC draws.
- CEC needs CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1 jobs and CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3 jobs.
- Prepare your employment reference letters.
- If your permit ends before you reach the hours, read when your PGWP expires.
This calculator applies IRCC’s published CEC work experience rules. It is an estimate, not an eligibility decision. Canadianow is not affiliated with IRCC.
Questions
CEC hours FAQ
Can I combine part-time and full-time jobs?
Yes. IRCC adds hours from all qualifying jobs but counts no more than 30 hours in any week.
Do hours from more than 3 years ago count?
No. Only hours in the 3 years before you submit your application count, so older hours drop out as time passes.
Does work on a PGWP count?
Yes, if it is paid work in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation. TEER 4 and 5 work on a PGWP does not count.
