The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) has been a significant pathway since 2008 for candidates with Canadian work experience to transition to permanent residence. It is a popular option for temporary foreign workers and international graduates and is managed under Canada’s Express Entry system. The CEC is highly successful and has become one of the largest immigration pathways for skilled workers in Canada.

Benefits of CEC

1. Integration Advantage: Skilled worker candidates with Canadian work experience have a significant advantage in integrating into the Canadian job market. Research shows that those who have lived in Canada previously are more successful in finding employment and building their careers.

2. Higher CRS Points: Candidates with Canadian experience can earn more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points under Express Entry, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

3. Faster Processing Time: Successful CEC candidates usually receive their permanent residence status within six months, making it one of the fastest immigration pathways.

4. No Settlement Funds Requirement: Unlike other Express Entry programs, CEC candidates do not need to demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support themselves financially upon obtaining permanent residence.

5. Encouraging Temporary Workers and International Graduates: The CEC is part of Canada’s efforts to encourage temporary foreign workers and international graduates to build their futures in Canada, recognizing the value they bring to the country’s workforce and society.

6. Building Social and Professional Networks: Candidates who have lived and worked in Canada have the advantage of building social and professional networks, which further contributes to their success in the Canadian job market.

Overall, the Canadian Experience Class offers numerous benefits for skilled workers with Canadian work experience, making it an attractive pathway for obtaining permanent residence in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Work Experience: Have at least one year of skilled, professional, or technical work experience in Canada within the 36 months preceding the application date. This work experience must amount to a minimum of 1,560 hours of skilled work, acquired through full-time or part-time employment.

2. Language Proficiency: Meet or exceed the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 (“initial intermediate”) for NOC TEER category 2 or 3 jobs, or CLB 7 (“adequate intermediate proficiency”) for NOC TEER category 0 or 1 jobs. Language proficiency is assessed in English or French.

3. Intention to Reside Outside Quebec: Plan to live and work outside the province of Quebec. Individuals with work experience in Quebec who intend to reside in Quebec should apply through the Quebec Experience Class.

4. Residency in Canada: Applicants can be in Canada during the application process. However, the CEC is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada, provided they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada.

5. Exclusions: Self-employment and work experience gained while being a full-time student, such as co-op work terms, are not considered for the CEC.

NOTE: The CEC follows a pass or fail model, meaning that if the minimum requirements are met, the applicant is eligible to enter the Express Entry pool. Additionally, meeting the eligibility criteria for category-based Express Entry draws may provide further opportunities to be invited for Canadian permanent residence.

Application Process

Below is a step-by-step guide on how the immigration process works with the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through the Express Entry system:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Check if you meet the eligibility criteria for the CEC or any other Express Entry programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Step 2: Submit Express Entry Profile

If you are eligible for the CEC, create an Express Entry profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Step 3: CRS Points Calculation

Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score will be calculated based on various factors, including age, education, language proficiency, work experience, Canadian work experience, and other criteria.

Step 4: Express Entry Draws

Approximately every two weeks, IRCC conducts Express Entry draws, inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence.

Step 5: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you can proceed with your application for permanent residence.

Step 6: Submit Complete Application

Prepare and submit a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents, to IRCC within the specified deadline.

Step 7: Application Processing

IRCC aims to process CEC applications within six months or less.

Step 8: Approval and Permanent Residence

If your application is approved, you will receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can proceed to become a permanent resident of Canada.

Step 9: Settle in Canada

As a permanent resident, you have the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. You will also have access to various social benefits and healthcare.

Step 10: Pathway to Citizenship

After meeting certain residency requirements, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, granting you full rights and privileges as a citizen.

The Canadian Experience Class, managed through Express Entry, offers a promising pathway for skilled workers with Canadian work experience to obtain permanent residence in Canada.