DIS

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system. It is designed for individuals with skilled work experience in Canada. If you are a temporary foreign worker or an international graduate with Canadian job experience, CEC could be your pathway to permanent residency.

Who Should Apply?

CEC is ideal for the following groups:

  • Temporary foreign workers with at least one year of Canadian skilled work experience. 
  • International students who graduated and gained work experience under a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). 

These individuals already understand Canada’s labor market and culture, making them strong candidates for permanent settlement.

CEC for International Students

If you studied in Canada and want to become a permanent resident, follow these steps:

  1. Graduate from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI). 
  2. Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). 
  3. Gain at least 1,560 hours of skilled Canadian work experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job. 
  4. Take an approved English or French language test and meet the required CLB level. 
  5. Submit your Express Entry profile and wait for an Invitation to Apply.

CEC for Temporary Foreign Workers

Temporary foreign workers can apply through the following pathway:

  1. Get a valid Canadian work permit. 
  2. Work for at least 12 months in a skilled job under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. 
  3. Take a recognized language test and meet the CLB requirements. 
  4. Enter the Express Entry pool and wait for an Invitation to Apply.

CEC Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, you must meet all the following criteria.

Skilled Work Experience in Canada

  • You must have at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada. 
  • This experience must be within the last three years before applying. 
  • Your job must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. 
  • Work experience gained without authorization, or during full-time study (like co-ops), does not count.

Language Proficiency

You must meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements:

  • TEER 0 or 1 jobs: CLB 7 
  • TEER 2 or 3 jobs: CLB 5 

Accepted tests include IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, and TCF.

Valid Work Authorization

All your work experience must be obtained under valid temporary resident status with authorization to work in Canada.

Plan to Live Outside Quebec

CEC does not apply to applicants intending to live in Quebec. If you want to settle in Quebec, you must apply through the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).

Canadian Experience Class Application Process

Applying through the Canadian Experience Class is a complicated step-by-step process managed under the Express Entry system. Understanding each stage helps increase and seeking the right guidance from professionals will increase your chances of a successful application.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Ensure you meet the minimum requirements for work experience, language, and residency status.

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile

Create your profile through the IRCC Express Entry portal. You will be asked to provide details about your:

  • Work history 
  • Language scores 
  • Education (optional but helpful) 
  • Family information 

You will receive a CRS score based on the information you enter.

Step 3: Improve Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score

If your CRS score is too low, consider:

  • Retaking language tests to improve scores. 
  • Gaining more Canadian work experience. 
  • Completing an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). 
  • Securing a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
How CRS Works

The CRS assigns a score based on several factors:

  • Age 
  • Education 
  • Work experience (Canadian and foreign) 
  • Language skills 
  • Job offer (optional) 
  • Provincial nomination (optional) 
  • Family in Canada (optional) 

CEC applicants do not need a minimum CRS score to be eligible. However, a higher score increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC conducts Express Entry draws approximately every two weeks. If your score is high enough, you may receive an ITA.

Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

You will need to upload the following documents:

  • Proof of Canadian work experience 
  • Language test results 
  • Police clearance certificates 
  • Medical examination results 
  • Civil status documents (e.g., marriage or birth certificates if applying with family) 

Pay the required application fees and submit online.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Most complete CEC applications are processed in six months or less. If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Key Benefits of the CEC

The Canadian Experience Class offers several advantages that make it one of the most popular immigration pathways in Canada. Its streamlined process and flexible requirements provide a faster, more accessible route to permanent residency for skilled workers already in the country.

Faster Processing

CEC applications are submitted through the Express Entry system, which is known for its fast processing. Most successful applicants receive permanent residence within six months of applying.

No Settlement Funds Required

Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), CEC applicants do not need to show proof of funds if they are already working in Canada.

No Education Requirement

You do not need a formal education to apply under CEC. However, having a degree, diploma, or certificate can improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Family Inclusion

You can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application.

Tips for a Successful Canadian Experience Class Application

  1. Maximize Your CRS Score
     Improve your language test results, gain additional Canadian work experience, and pursue more education or a PNP nomination. 
  2. Plan Early
     Start preparing for permanent residence as soon as possible. Use your time in Canada strategically to meet all requirements. 
  3. Stay Updated
     Keep track of Express Entry draws and policy changes to adjust your application strategy effectively. 
  4. Seek Professional Advice
     Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to ensure your application is complete and error-free.

The Canadian Experience Class is one of the most efficient ways for skilled workers and graduates already in Canada to become permanent residents. If you meet the requirements and prepare well, you can make Canada your permanent home through this program.

Get Expert Immigration Assistance with Dara Immigration Services (DIS)

Are you looking to Immigrate to Canada?

At Dara Immigration Services (DIS), we understand that navigating the immigration process can be complex. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, work permit, study permit, or permanent residency, we will guide you every step of the way. From helping you understand the application process to ensuring all necessary documents are in order, we provide the personalized support you need to succeed.

Don’t leave your future to chance—reach out to Dara Immigration Services (DIS) today, and let us help you take the next step toward your Canadian dream.

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