Canadian Experience Class

Canada’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a category of immigration under the Express Entry system designed to provide a pathway to permanent residence for individuals who have gained valuable Canadian work experience. The CEC is ideal for temporary foreign workers who have adapted to life in Canada and have acquired the skills, language proficiency, and work experience that make them desirable candidates for permanent residence.

Q&A: CANADIAN EXPERIENCE CLASS KEY FEATURES

What are the eligibility criteria for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

To be eligible for the CEC, applicants must have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in Canada within the last three years. This work experience must be in a skilled occupation listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

How do candidates apply for the CEC through the Express Entry system?

Candidates interested in the CEC need to create an online profile through the Express Entry system. They are then ranked based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more, using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

How do applicants demonstrate their Canadian work experience?

Applicants need to demonstrate their Canadian work experience through documentation, such as reference letters and pay stubs.

What language proficiency is required for the CEC?

Applicants need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French through approved language tests, which assess their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

Is a job offer required for the CEC?

No, unlike some other immigration pathways, the CEC does not require applicants to have a job offer from a Canadian employer to be eligible.

Is Canadian education required for the CEC?

While Canadian education is not a mandatory requirement, it can provide additional points in the CRS system.

How are candidates selected for permanent residence through the Express Entry system?

Candidates with high CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular Express Entry draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What are the processing times for the CEC compared to other pathways?

The CEC typically offers quicker processing times compared to other pathways.

How We Can Help

Our Eligibility Assessment for Permanent Residence in Canada is a specialized consultation that helps you determine your eligibility for permanent residence through various immigration programs, including Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Six Selections Factors Calculator for the Federal Skilled Worker Program