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Canadian Experience Class: Your Pathway to Canadian PR

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by Kathy Watkins

Eligibility Criteria for the Canadian Experience Class

Since its inception in 2008, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) has become a key avenue for individuals with Canadian work experience aiming for permanent residency. The CEC is especially beneficial for temporary foreign workers and international students who have transitioned into the Canadian workforce. It is one of the three main programs managed under Canada’s Express Entry system. This detailed guide from Immigration to Canada provides all the essential information regarding the CEC. 

Canadian Experience Class

Immigration to Canada, a specialty service of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), introduced the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in 2008. This program was created to provide a dedicated pathway for skilled workers, specifically temporary foreign workers and international graduates, to secure permanent residency.

Since its inception, the CEC has evolved into one of Canada’s primary immigration routes for skilled workers. It is widely hailed as a resounding success by Canadian governments, local communities, employers, and immigration applicants alike. 

Benefits of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a key initiative by Canada’s federal and provincial governments aimed at attracting temporary foreign workers and international students to establish their futures in Canada. Research from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Statistics Canada, and leading academics shows that skilled worker candidates integrate more effectively into Canada’s job market if they have lived in the country before. This advantage stems from possessing high human capital, such as being in young or middle-aged demographics, having substantial education and work experience, and cultivating both social and professional connections within Canada. These factors contribute significantly to the success of CEC immigrants in the Canadian labor market.

Additionally, individuals with Canadian experience benefit from obtaining higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points in the Express Entry system, which boosts their prospects of securing permanent residency.

Furthermore, CEC candidates who successfully navigate the Express Entry process typically achieve permanent residency status within a swift timeframe of six months.

Another notable advantage of the CEC is that, unlike the other two programs within the Express Entry system, candidates here are not required to prove to the IRCC that they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves financially once they achieve permanent residency.

Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  To be considered for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, you need to fulfill the following criteria:

One year of work experience is defined as at least 1,560 hours of skilled labor in Canada, which can be acquired through either full-time or part-time employment.

Applicants are allowed to stay in Canada throughout the application process. However, the CEC is also accessible to individuals who have left Canada, provided they apply within three years of their departure from their Canadian job.

The CEC operates on a pass/fail model based on specific requirements. Once the minimum criteria are met, you become eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.

Please note: Self-employment and any professional experience obtained while you were a full-time student (like during a co-op work term) are not counted towards the CEC program.

If you qualify for the CEC, you might also be eligible for the category-based Express Entry draws recently introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Meeting these criteria may enhance your chances of securing an invitation for permanent residence in Canada.

Canadian Experience Class

Understanding the Canadian Immigration Process through CEC

At Immigration to Canada, we help you navigate the journey to becoming a permanent resident through various skilled worker programs managed via Express Entry, including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). If you’ve previously worked in Canada and gained valuable experience, you could be an excellent fit for CEC. Additionally, you might qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program if your background aligns with these categories.

To begin, you must verify your eligibility for CEC or another Express Entry program. Once confirmed, you can create and submit a profile on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) official portal. Roughly every two weeks, IRCC conducts Express Entry draws to invite candidates who possess the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores for permanent residency consideration. CRS scores are calculated based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, work history, and Canadian experience, among other important criteria. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must submit a comprehensive application for permanent residency to the IRCC within the provided time frame. IRCC’s goal is to process these applications within six months or faster.

How to Qualify for Canadian Permanent Residency as an International Student

International students who complete an eligible education program in Canada often become permanent residents through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Here’s a streamlined pathway for international students aiming to achieve Canadian permanent residency via the CEC program:

Step 1: Finish your studies at a designated learning institution in Canada.

Step 2: Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 3: Use your PGWP to gain a minimum of 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in a job classified under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.

Step 4: Complete an English or French language test approved by IRCC. Achieve at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 for jobs in NOC TEER categories 0 and 1, or a CLB of 5 for categories 2 and 3.

Step 5: Join the Express Entry pool. If you receive an invitation to apply, IRCC aims to process your application for permanent residency within six months.

How to Qualify for the Canadian Experience Class as a Temporary Foreign Worker

Temporary foreign workers have the opportunity to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program by gaining professional work experience in Canada for at least one year.

Here are the steps to gain Canadian permanent residency through the CEC for temporary workers:

Step 1: Obtain a Canadian work permit.

Step 2: Accumulate at least 1,560 hours of work experience in Canada in a job classified under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.

Step 3: Complete an English or French language test recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Achieve the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score, which is CLB 7 for roles in NOC TEER categories 0 and 1, and CLB 5 for roles in NOC TEER categories 2 and 3.

Step 4: Enter the Express Entry pool. Once you receive an invitation to apply, IRCC strives to process your permanent residence application within six months.

FAQ
Am I Eligible for the CEC if Living in Quebec?

Yes, provided you plan to live outside of Quebec.

Must My Canadian Work Experience Match My Field of Study for CEC Eligibility?

No, the work experience must simply meet the CEC's eligibility requirements.

Can I Qualify for the CEC While Living Outside Canada?

Yes, as long as you fulfill the eligibility criteria of the CEC.

Is Proof of Funds Necessary for CEC Eligibility?

No. Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), proof of funds is not required if you receive an invitation under the CEC.

What Are the Language Requirements for CEC?

Language requirements are based on your job category for CEC eligibility. You must meet language requirements in four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least 7 is needed for NOC TEER categories 0 or 1, and a CLB of at least 5 for NOC TEER categories 2 or 3.

What Work Experience is Needed for CEC?

You need a minimum of 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work in Canada obtained within three years before applying. This means at least 1,560 hours of skilled work.

What Jobs Fall Under NOC TEER Categories 0, 1, 2, and 3 for CEC?
  1. According to the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC):

  • TEER Category 0: Managerial Positions
  • TEER Category 1: Professional Positions
  • TEER Categories 2 and 3: Technical Positions and Skilled Trades
What Are the Education Requirements for CEC?

The CEC has no specific education requirements. However, you can gain extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points through the Express Entry system by completing an eligible Canadian program. Additionally, you can earn points if you completed an eligible overseas program backed by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

How Can I Increase My Express Entry CRS Score?
  1. To improve your CRS score, consider:

  • Maximizing your eligible CRS points
  • Listing your spouse or partner as the principal applicant if they have a higher score
  • Retaking your language test to achieve a higher score
  • Obtaining an ECA for qualifying foreign education
  • Securing a job offer from a Canadian employer, which is a key advantage for CEC candidates compared to those overseas
  • Exploring the possibility of a provincial nomination
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