Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class is designed for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. It's one of the three federal economic immigration programs managed under Express Entry.
About the Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration program for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. This program recognizes that candidates with Canadian experience are more likely to succeed economically in Canada.
CEC is ideal for international students who have graduated from Canadian institutions and temporary foreign workers who have gained skilled work experience in Canada. The program has lower language requirements compared to other Express Entry programs and doesn't require a job offer.
Program Highlights
- 12+ months Canadian work experience required
- CLB 5-7 language requirements (varies by NOC)
- No education requirements (but helps with CRS)
- 6-month processing time
Why Choose CEC?
Eligibility Requirements
- At least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years
- Work experience must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
- Language proficiency: CLB 7 for NOC 0 and 1, CLB 5 for NOC 2 and 3
- Plan to live outside the province of Quebec
- Meet admissibility requirements (medical, security, criminal background checks)
Language Requirements by NOC Level
Canadian Work Experience Requirements
- Must be gained while on a valid work permit
- Full-time (30+ hours per week) or equivalent part-time
- Paid work experience (volunteer work doesn't count)
- Must be in the same NOC as your intended occupation
- Self-employment doesn't count toward CEC requirements
- Work while studying full-time doesn't count (except co-op, internships)
Eligible Occupations (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3)
- Senior managers
- Middle managers
- Specialized middle managers
- Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
- Engineering managers
- Architecture and science managers
- Professional occupations in business and finance
- Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences
- Professional occupations in health
- Professional occupations in education, law, social services
- Professional occupations in art and culture
- Technical occupations related to natural and applied sciences
- Technical occupations in health
- Technical occupations in art, culture and sport
- Administrative and financial supervisors
- Administrative occupations
- Skilled trades
- Skilled transport and equipment operators
- Skilled workers in natural resources and agriculture
- Skilled workers in manufacturing and utilities
- Skilled service and sales workers
Common Pathways to CEC
CRS Score Advantages
Canadian experience provides significant CRS point boosts in Express Entry
Application Process
Gain Canadian Experience
Work in Canada for at least 12 months in a skilled occupation
Language Testing
Take approved language tests and meet minimum CLB requirements
Educational Credentials
Get Educational Credential Assessment (if claiming points for education)
Create Express Entry Profile
Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool
Receive Invitation
Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC
Submit PR Application
Submit complete application within 60 days of receiving ITA
Processing Times & Fees
Important Information
- • Work experience must be gained while authorized to work in Canada
- • Self-employment and work while studying full-time generally don't count
- • Language test results are valid for 2 years from test date
- • Meeting minimum requirements doesn't guarantee an invitation to apply
- • Express Entry uses Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for selection
- • You must have sufficient funds to support yourself and family
- • Medical exams and police certificates required for PR application
Ready to Apply Through CEC?
Let our experienced team assess your Canadian work experience and guide you through the Canadian Experience Class application process.