For international graduates in Canada
Express Entry for international graduates
Most international graduates apply through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) once they have a year of skilled work in Canada. The latest CEC draw was #449 on October 15, 2026, with a cutoff of 519. Here is how your Canadian degree and work turn into CRS points.
By the Express Entry Draws team · Updated
Do you qualify for the Canadian Experience Class?
- At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of skilled work in Canada in the 3 years before you apply, in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, while authorized to work.
- Work while you were a full-time student doesn’t count, and neither do co-op terms.
- Self-employment (apart from a narrow exception for some physicians), volunteer work and unpaid internships don’t count.
- Language: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs, in all four abilities.
- No education requirement for eligibility, but your Canadian credential earns points.
Points your Canadian studies and work earn
| What you have | CRS points |
|---|---|
| Canadian credential of 1 or 2 years | +15 |
| Canadian credential of 3 years or more (or a master’s, PhD or professional degree) | +30 |
| 1 year of Canadian work | +40 |
| 2 years of Canadian work | +53 |
| From November 3, 2026: that work in a high-wage occupation (12 months+) | +20 to +70 more |
Worked examples
| Graduate | Current rules | November 2026 rules |
|---|---|---|
| 25, two-year Canadian college diploma, CLB 9, 1 year of Canadian work after graduating | 425 | 425 |
| 26, four-year Canadian bachelor’s, CLB 8, 1 year of Canadian work after graduating | 418 | 418 |
| The same graduate, with that year in a level 2 high-wage occupation | 418 | 458 |
Over the last 12 months, CEC cutoffs ran from 507 to 533 across 22 draws. See every round on the Canadian Experience Class draws page.
Where graduates usually gain points
- A second year of Canadian work raises your work points and moves skill transferability to its top column.
- CLB 9 in all four abilities: see IELTS vs CELPIP vs PTE Core for the scores.
- French: NCLC 7 in all four French abilities adds 25 or 50 points and opens French category draws.
- A high-wage job: from November 3, 2026, a year in a high-wage occupation or a job offer in one adds points; check the high-wage occupations list.
Express Entry Draws is not affiliated with IRCC or the Government of Canada, and this page is not immigration or legal advice. Your official score is the one in your Express Entry profile.
Questions people ask
+Does work during my studies count for the CEC?
No. IRCC doesn’t count work done while you were a full-time student, including co-op terms. Only skilled work after (or outside) full-time study counts.
+How many points is a Canadian degree worth?
15 additional points for a 1 or 2 year credential, 30 for 3 years or more, on top of the regular education points.
+What CRS score do international graduates need?
It depends on the draw. The latest Canadian Experience Class draw, on October 15, 2026, invited candidates with 519 or more.
Sources
- IRCC, Canadian Experience Class: who can apply, checked October 29, 2026
- IRCC, Comprehensive Ranking System criteria, checked October 29, 2026
- IRCC, Language test equivalency charts and approved tests, checked October 29, 2026
- IRCC, Express Entry changes taking effect November 3, 2026, checked October 29, 2026
- IRCC, Ministerial Instructions: Express Entry rounds, checked October 29, 2026