Canadian Experience Class Program
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a vital immigration pathway within Canada’s Economic Class, specifically designed for individuals with Canadian work experience seeking permanent residency. Managed through the Express Entry system, the CEC program targets candidates who have gained at least one year of skilled, professional, or technical work experience in Canada within the last three years.
Applicants must meet language proficiency requirements in English or French and intend to live outside the province of Quebec. The CEC is ideal for international graduates and temporary foreign workers already integrated into Canadian society and the labor market. It offers a streamlined path to permanent residency, recognizing the value of their Canadian work experience and contributions to the economy.
Successful candidates receive permanent residency, enabling them to continue their careers and lives in Canada. The CEC program plays a crucial role in addressing labor market needs, fostering economic growth, and retaining talented individuals who contribute to Canada’s diverse and dynamic workforce.
Eligibility Criteria for
Experience Class Program
Skilled Work Experience: Have at least one year (12 months) of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying. The work experience must be in an occupation classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 (managerial occupations), skill level A (professional occupations), or skill level B (technical occupations and skilled trades).
Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum language requirements by taking an approved language test and achieving Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for NOC 0 and A occupations, or CLB 5 for NOC B occupations, in all four language abilities (speaking, reading, writing, and listening) in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 for NOC 0 and A occupations, or NCLC 5 for NOC B occupations, in French.
Intent to Live Outside Quebec: Plan to live and work outside the province of Quebec, as Quebec selects its own skilled workers through its immigration programs.
Admissibility: Be admissible to Canada, meaning applicants must pass security, criminal, and medical checks.
Education: While education requirements are not mandatory for CEC, having a Canadian post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree can improve your CRS score in the Express Entry system.
How to Apply?
Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the CEC, including having at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, meeting language proficiency requirements, and being admissible to Canada.
Create an Express Entry Profile: Create an online profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website through the Express Entry system. Provide accurate information about your work experience, language ability, education (if applicable), and other relevant details.
Receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: Upon completing your profile, you will receive a CRS score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria. Your CRS score ranks you against other candidates in the Express Entry pool.
Improve Your CRS Score (if needed): Consider improving your CRS score by gaining additional work experience, improving language proficiency, obtaining a provincial nomination, or securing additional points for education.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you are among the highest-ranked candidates in the Express Entry pool during a regular draw, you will receive an ITA to apply for permanent residency under the CEC.
Submit Application for Permanent Residency: Upon receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency, including all required documents such as proof of work experience, language test results, education credentials (if applicable), police certificates, and medical exams.
Wait for Processing: IRCC will process your application, which typically takes about six months from the date of submission. They may request additional information or conduct interviews if necessary.
Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residency: If your application is approved, you and your family members (if applicable) will receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can then move to Canada as permanent residents.