Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
CEC (Canadian Experience Class) is a permanent residency category for those who have already established themselves as skilled workers in Canada. the CEC program opens the door to Canada for international students and foreign workers. For many foreign graduates, the Canadian Experience Class may be the quickest option for obtaining permanent residency in Canada. one of the goals of the CEC is to increase the supply of skilled workers in Canada. Please note that any work experience obtained in Canada without a valid work permit will not be considered. Also, any work experience obtained while self-employed or a full-time student (e.g. during a co-op period) will not be counted in this program. Please note that CEC applications take time to process. If you are currently working in Canada and you apply for permanent residency in the CEC class, you may be eligible for a bridging open work permit if your work permit expires within 4 months. This means that you can continue to work until IRCC makes a decision on your application for permanent residence.
After January 1, 2015, foreign nationals will be screened through the Express Entry System and must receive an invitation before applying. Applicants may remain in Canada for the duration of the application process. However, people who are not in Canada can still participate in the Canadian Experience Class if they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada.
In order to qualify for CEC through Express Entry, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have at least 12 months of experience as a skilled worker in Canada in the last three years prior to application. The work must be full-time or part-time of similar nature.
- The work experience must have been gained in Canada with the appropriate permits.
- Must have taken an approved language test and meet the minimum requirements.
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec.
- To be eligible for CEC, you must have had skilled work experience in Canada within three years of applying. According to Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC), skilled work experience is defined as:
- Management positions (NOC skill level 0)
- Professional occupations (NOC skill type A)
- Technical and skilled trades (NOC Skill Type B)
You must have at least the following experience
- 12 months of full-time work. 30 hours per week x 12 months = 1 year of full-time work (1,560 hours), or
- Part-time work for an equivalent number of hours.
- 15 hours per week x 24 months = 1 full-time year (1,560 hours)
30 hours per week for 12 months, working multiple jobs = 1 year full-time (1,560 hours). - If your experience does not meet the duties and job requirements set out in the NOC, IRCC may not accept your application.
Please note that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires the submission of the government’s application processing fee for most applications.
You can find out if you are eligible to apply for a CEC through Express Entry or a Bridging Open Work Permit by scheduling a consultation.