The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is ideal for candidates who have recent Canadian work experience and are seeking permanent immigration to Canada. CEC is also one of the fasted routes to Canadian permanent residence, taking as little as three to four months to process.
To be eligible to apply, you must:
Have at least 1 year of full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience in Canada
Apply within 3 years of obtaining your skilled work experience
Have had legal status while working, or studying, in Canada
Plan to live outside the province of Quebec
What kind of work experience do I need?
Your work experience must be Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or Skill Level B (technical occupations and skilled trades) on the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Your work experience must be paid, full-time or the equivalent hours part-time. Full-time means at least 30 hours per week. You must have had this work experience in Canada.
How to Apply for the Canadian Experience Class
Step 1. Obtain a Canadian work permit and complete a year of work
Step 2: Meet eligibility criteria and create an Express Entry profile
Step 3: Receive an ITA
Step 4: Submit an e-application
Step 5: Receive confirmation of permanent resident status and receive a PR card
CEC Canada advantages
For Canadian Experience Class candidates there are three distinct advantages, and one possible disadvantage, under Express Entry.
Advantages:
Canadian Experience Class candidates have built up at least one year of Canadian work experience. This is a highly-valued factor under the CRS, and, as such, gives these applicants access to CRS points for their Canadian experience.
Because the required documentation is minimal, Canadian Experience Class applications are processed quickly, often within three to four months.
Applicants under the Canadian Experience Class are not required to show proof of settlement funds, as FSWC and FSTC candidates are.
Potential disadvantage:
Even if you are eligible to apply under the Canadian Experience Class, there is no guarantee that you will receive an invitation to apply. If your CRS score is below the cut-off required to receive an invitation, consult our guide on how to increase your CRS score.
