Canadian Experience Class - Themillenniumimmigration

CEC: Canadian Experience Class Eligibility Criteria

Since 2008, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) has provided a significant pathway for candidates with Canadian work experience seeking permanent residence. This program is a popular option for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who gain valuable work experience in Canada. The CEC is one of the three programs managed under Canada’s Express Entry system. This comprehensive page from The Millennium Immigration outlines everything you need to know about the CEC.

Overview
Eligibility Criteria
Become Eligible for the CEC as an International Student
Become Eligible for the CEC as a Temporary Foreign Worker
Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in 2008 to create a dedicated skilled worker pathway for temporary foreign workers and international graduates aspiring to obtain permanent residency.

Since its inception, the CEC has become one of Canada’s largest immigration pathways for skilled workers and is considered a success by governments, communities, employers, and candidates alike.

Benefits of the CEC

The CEC is part of a broader effort by Canada’s federal and provincial governments to encourage temporary foreign workers and international students to build their futures in Canada. Research indicates that candidates with Canadian experience have a significant advantage in integrating into the job market. Those who have previously lived in Canada, combined with high human capital criteria (e.g., youth, education, work experience), are particularly successful in the labor market.

Moreover, candidates with Canadian experience can earn more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points under Express Entry, enhancing their chances of obtaining permanent residence. Successful CEC candidates typically receive their permanent residence status within six months. Unlike the other Express Entry programs, CEC candidates do not need to demonstrate settlement funds to support themselves financially upon gaining permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CEC, you must meet the following requirements:

Work Experience: At least one year of skilled, professional, or technical work experience in Canada within 36 months of the application date.
Language Ability: Meet or exceed a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 for NOC TEER category 2 or 3 jobs, or CLB 7 for NOC TEER category 0 or 1 jobs.
Location: Plan to live and work outside of Quebec (individuals with work experience in Quebec should apply to the Quebec Experience Class).

One year (or 12 months) of work experience is defined as at least 1,560 hours of skilled work in Canada, which can be accumulated through full-time and/or part-time work.

Applicants can remain in Canada throughout the application process. However, the CEC is also open to those who are no longer in Canada, provided they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada.

The Canadian Experience Class requirements operate on a pass or fail model. If the minimum requirements are met, the applicant is eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.

Note: Self-employment and work experience gained while a full-time student (such as on a co-op work term) do not count under the CEC.

If you are eligible for the CEC, you may also qualify for IRCC’s upcoming category-based Express Entry draws, providing additional opportunities to receive an invitation for Canadian permanent residence.

How the Immigration Process Works with the CEC

IRCC uses Express Entry to manage skilled worker applications for three programs, including the CEC. If you have lived in Canada and gained eligible work experience, you may be a strong candidate for the CEC. You may also qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or, if you have a trades background, the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the CEC or other Express Entry program criteria.
Submit Your Profile: Create and submit your Express Entry profile on IRCC’s website.
Receive an ITA: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during the bi-weekly Express Entry draws. CRS scores are based on human capital characteristics, including age, education, language skills, work experience, and Canadian experience.
Submit Application: If you receive an ITA, submit your completed application to IRCC within the specified deadline. IRCC aims to process applications in six months or less.

Become Eligible for the CEC as an International Student

International students graduating from eligible educational programs in Canada are the primary group gaining permanent residence through the CEC. Here’s a common pathway:

Complete Education: Finish your program at a Canadian designated learning institution.
Apply for PGWP: Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) through IRCC.
Gain Work Experience: Obtain at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 job.
Language Test: Take an English or French language test designated by IRCC and meet the minimum CLB requirement (CLB 7 for NOC TEER category 0 and 1 work experience; CLB 5 for category 2 and 3).
Enter Express Entry: Join the Express Entry pool. If you receive an ITA, IRCC will aim to process your permanent residence application within six months.

Become Eligible for the CEC as a Temporary Foreign Worker

Temporary foreign workers can also become eligible for the CEC after obtaining one year of professional work experience in Canada. Here’s a common pathway:

Obtain Work Permit: Get a Canadian work permit.
Gain Work Experience: Accumulate at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 job.
Language Test: Complete a designated English or French language test and achieve the necessary CLB requirement.
Enter Express Entry: Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool. If you secure an ITA, IRCC will aim to process your permanent residence application within six months.