Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the most streamlined immigration pathways under Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This program is specifically designed for temporary foreign workers and international students who have gained skilled work experience in Canada. It allows them to leverage their Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency. While the process may seem straightforward, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for the program.
Who is Eligible?
CEC is ideal for individuals who have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. Temporary foreign workers are particularly suited for this category, as they are already integrated into Canadian society and the workforce. This program operates under the Express Entry system, where candidates must meet the minimum requirements and obtain a competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Application Process
To apply for CEC, candidates must:
1. Create an Express Entry Profile: Candidates must create an online profile through the Express Entry system. The profile will include personal details, work experience, language proficiency, and education.
2. Obtain a CRS Score: The profile will be assessed based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which takes into account factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.
3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and obtain a competitive CRS score will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during one of the regular draws from the Express Entry pool.
4. Submit the Application: Once an ITA is received, candidates can submit their application for permanent residency with the necessary documents.
Even individuals who have left Canada can apply for CEC as long as their Canadian work experience falls within the last three years before they submit their application.
Eligible Work Experience
Applicants must have Canadian work experience in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER levels:
TEER 0 (Management jobs)
TEER 1 (Professional jobs that usually require a degree)
TEER 2 & 3 (Technical jobs and skilled trades that require a diploma or apprenticeship training)
Key Requirements
Work Experience: Full-time (at least 30 hours per week) or equivalent part-time skilled work experience for a minimum of one year within the past three years.
Eligible NOC Categories: Work experience must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs.
Exclusions: Work experience gained while studying in Canada (e.g., co-op or internships) or self-employment does not count towards eligibility.
Language Proficiency:
CLB 7 for TEER 0 and TEER 1 jobs.
CLB 5 for TEER 2 and TEER 3 jobs.
Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP) must be valid for two years.
Education: While a degree is not required for CEC, having an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) or a Canadian diploma can improve an applicant's CRS score.
Changes to Express Entry Categories (2025 Update)
As of February 27, 2025, IRCC has introduced major changes to Express Entry category-based draws, affecting CEC candidates:
A new Education category has been introduced.
The Transport category has been removed.
Social services occupations are now included in the Healthcare category.
Express Entry priority categories for 2025 include:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare and Social Services occupations
Trades occupations
Education occupations
Changes have also been made to eligible occupations across categories, including additions and removals in STEM, Trades, and Healthcare & Social Services.
Quebec Exclusion
The CEC program does not apply to Quebec, as the province manages its own skilled worker immigration programs. Applicants intending to settle in Quebec must apply through Quebec's specific immigration streams.
By keeping up with the latest updates and meeting the eligibility requirements, candidates can maximize their chances of securing permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class.
