I found the answer on the CIC web; . M y8 y) B4 D" C: a# G8 T$ E"The certificate must have been issued no more than three months before you submit your application" 3 o& v( Y, z( B2 k) x5 g4 X 3 M- J& s9 j9 R/ }2 |Ours were more than one year when we applied.