Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration pathway tailored for skilled workers who have gained recent Canadian work experience and are looking to transition to permanent residence in Canada.

This program is one of the fastest and most efficient routes to Canadian permanent residence, with processing times often as quick as three to four months. It is especially suited for individuals who have already adapted to life and work in Canada, making the transition smoother and faster.

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What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three immigration streams managed under Canada’s Express Entry system. It is specifically designed for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada.

The goal of the CEC program is to make it easier for individuals who are already contributing to the Canadian workforce and society to transition from temporary status to permanent residence.

CEC applications are processed through the Express Entry system, where candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with competitive CRS scores are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence during regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Who is Eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program?

To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), applicants must meet specific requirements related to their work experience and immigration status in Canada.

  • Work Experience Requirement
  • At least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience (or an equivalent amount in part-time) in Canada.
  • The work must fall under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 (managerial, professional, or technical/skilled trades).
  • The experience must have been gained within the last three years before applying.
  • Legal Status Requirement
  • The work experience must have been obtained while legally authorized to work in Canada (e.g., on a valid work permit).
  • Who is NOT Eligible
  • Applicants without recent Canadian work experience.
  • Self-employed work or work experience gained without proper authorization in Canada does not count.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Requirements

To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), your 12 months of Canadian work experience must meet the following conditions:

  • Timeframe: The work experience must be obtained in Canada within the 36 months (3 years) before submitting your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
  • Job Classification: Your work must fall under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories:
  • TEER 0 – Management jobs
  • TEER 1 – Jobs that usually require a university degree
  • TEER 2 – Jobs that usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training
  • TEER 3 – Jobs that usually require a college diploma or less than two years of apprenticeship training
  • Legality: The work experience must be lawfully obtained and paid (volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count).

Additional Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Eligibility Criteria

⚠️ Note: Work experience gained while enrolled as a full-time student in Canada cannot be counted toward CEC eligibility.

In addition to the Canadian work experience requirement, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Language Proficiency
  • For NOC TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs: Achieve CLB 7 on an approved English or French test.
  • For NOC TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs: Achieve CLB 5 on an approved test.
  • Residency Intent
  • Must plan to live outside the province of Quebec.
  • Admissibility
  • Meet Canada’s fundamental admissibility requirements, including:
  • No serious criminal record
  • Passing medical exams (good health condition)

If a candidate fulfills these requirements, they can create an Express Entry profile under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.

How to Calculate Your CEC CRS Points

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to score candidates in Express Entry, and CEC candidates are invited based on their CRS scores. Here’s how to calculate your points:

  • 1 Understand the CRS Components

The CRS evaluates you based on:

  • Core human capital factors: age, education, language proficiency (English and/or French), and Canadian work experience.
  • Spouse or common-law factors (if applicable): their education, language skills, and Canadian work experience.
  • Skill transferability factors: combination of education, foreign work experience, and language proficiency.
  • Additional points: provincial nomination, job offer, Canadian education, sibling in Canada, or French language skills.
  • 2 Use a CRS Calculator
  • While you can calculate manually, the easiest way is to use a CRS calculator, like the one provided by Visa Canada Now. It allows you to enter all your details and gives you an accurate score.
  • 3 Check Your Score Against Recent Draws
  • Once you have your CRS points, compare them to recent Express Entry draw cut-offs to see your chances of getting an invitation to apply (ITA).
  • 4 Increase Your CRS Score (if needed)

If your score is below typical cut-offs, consider:

  • Improving your language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
  • Gaining more Canadian work experience.
  • Obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employer or a provincial nomination.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

1. Can I apply to the CEC program from outside of Canada?

Yes. You can apply from anywhere in the world, as long as you meet the basic eligibility requirements for the Canadian Experience Class. Being outside Canada does not prevent you from applying.

2. Is proof of funds required for CEC?

No. Proof of funds is not required for the CEC program. You will not need to submit any documentation regarding your finances when applying.

3. Does internship experience in Canada count towards my CEC application?

It depends. Only paid internships that are not part of your education can be counted toward the work experience requirement for Express Entry under the CEC. Internships completed as part of your studies typically do not qualify.

Beyond the CEC: Discover More Express Entry Pathways

If you don’t yet have skilled work experience in Canada or don’t meet the minimum requirements for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), there are still other ways to qualify under Express Entry.

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Ideal for skilled professionals with foreign work experience, the FSWP allows individuals to immigrate to Canada based on their education, language skills, and international job history.

2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Designed for skilled tradespeople, this program focuses on applicants with work experience in eligible trades such as construction, industrial, electrical, and technical fields.

3. Targeted Express Entry Invitations

In addition to the above programs, Express Entry now conducts category-based selection draws. These draws prioritize candidates who meet specific criteria, such as:

  • French-language proficiency
  • Healthcare occupations
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
  • Skilled trade occupations
  • Transport occupations
  • Agriculture and agri-food occupations