Canadian Experience Class Work Experience Rules: NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 & 3 Explained

What is the Canadian Experience Class Anyway?

Let’s be real: 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.

Think of it as a reward for showing Canada that you can thrive in its workplaces.

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.

Paid Internships: Do They Count?

Here’s where things get interesting. Not all internships make the cut — but paid ones can. The key is meeting these conditions:

1. It must be paid — unpaid co-ops or volunteer work won’t count.
2. You need a valid work permit.
3. The job must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
4. 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.

Part-Time Work: Can It Help?

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

Here’s the bottom line: 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.

Ready to see if your Canadian work experience qualifies? Don’t guess — check your NOC TEER code, tally your hours, and make sure internships or part-time work are documented.

Start your journey here: Canadian Experience Class — Official Resource