The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is ideal for candidates who have recent Canadian work experience and are seeking permanent immigration to Canada. CEC allows a candidate’s experience in Canada as a key selection factor when immigrating to Canada. With their experience, they already established support networks and can easily adapt to the Canadian way of life. CEC is one of the three immigration programs operated through Canada’s Express Entry system. This program also uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates and invite them to apply for permanent residence. International students who go on to graduate from an eligible educational program in Canada and work permit holders are the main group of individuals who gain permanent residence through the CEC.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CEC, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have obtained at least one year of skilled, professional, or technical work experience in Canada within 36 months of the application date.
- Meet or surpass a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 (“initial intermediate”) for NOC B jobs or CLB 7 (“adequate intermediate proficiency”), for NOC skill level 0 or A jobs.
- Plan to live and work outside of the province of Quebec (individuals with work experience in Quebec and who plan to reside in Quebec may apply to the Quebec Experience Class).
Notable Factors
- One year (or 12 months) of work experience is defined as at least 1,560 hours of skilled work in Canada. The 1,560 hours can be obtained through full-time and/or part-time work.
- Applicants can remain in Canada throughout the application process. However, the Canadian Experience Class is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada, provided that they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada.
- The Canadian Experience Class requirements are based on a pass or fail model. If the minimum requirements are met, the applicant is eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.
- Self-employment and work experience gained while you were a full-time student (for example, on a co-op work term) do not count under the CEC.
International students who go on to graduate from an eligible educational program in Canada are the main group of individuals who gain permanent residence through the CEC.
Steps Involved in CEC
Step 1: Complete your educational program at a Canadian designated learning institution.
Step 2: Go to IRCC and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) while in the case of Temporary Foreign Worker, get a Canadian Work Permit and Step 1 is not necessary.
Step 3: With your PGWP or Work Permit, obtain at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in a NOC 0, A, or B job.
Step 4: Take an English or French language test designated by IRCC and obtain the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirement (a CLB 7 for NOC 0 and A work experience and CLB 5 for NOC B work experience).
Step 5: Enter the Express Entry pool. If you receive an invitation to apply, IRCC will aim to process your permanent residence application within six months.
Canadian immigration comprises of various programs. Contact us today for full details about how we can work with you based on your profile. We are glad to discuss your immigration-related questions or queries.
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