I found the answer on the CIC web; 2 S/ ^+ z2 Y& W% q2 u"The certificate must have been issued no more than three months before you submit your application" 5 B7 ?" u6 X$ L1 k# y ?6 n4 ? 2 ~& B: l. b) u4 |8 I# wOurs were more than one year when we applied.