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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The CEC is part of a combined effort by Canada’s federal and provincial governments to encourage more temporary foreign workers and international students to build their futures in Canada. candidates who succeed under the CEC do not need to demonstrate to IRCC that they have settlement funds to support themselves financially upon obtaining permanent residence.

Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements. They must:

  • Have obtained at least one year of skilled, professional, or technical work experience in Canada within 36 months of the application date; and
  • Meet or surpass a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 (“initial intermediate”) for NOC B jobs or CLB 7 (“adequate intermediate proficiency”), for NOC skill level 0 or A jobs.
  • Plan to live and work outside of the province of Quebec (individuals with work experience in Quebec and who plan to reside in Quebec may 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. The 1,560 hours can be obtained through full-time and/or part-time work.

Applicants can remain in Canada throughout the application process. However, the Canadian Experience Class is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada if they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada.

The Canadian Experience Class requirements are based 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 you were a full-time student (for example, on a co-op work term) does not count under the CEC.

Options to obtain Canadian permanent residence through the CEC as an international student are:

  • Complete your educational program at a Canadian designated learning institution.
  • Go to IRCC and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
  • With your PGWP, obtain at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in a NOC 0, A, or B job.
  • Take an English or French language test designated by IRCC and obtain the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirement (a CLB 7 for NOC 0 and A work experience and CLB 5 for NOC B work experience).
  • Enter the Express Entry pool under CEC.

Options to obtain Canadian permanent residence through the CEC as a temporary foreign worker are:

  • Get a Canadian work permit.
  • Obtain at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in a NOC 0, A, or B job.
  • Take an English or French language test designated by IRCC and obtain the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirement (a CLB 7 for NOC 0 and A work experience and CLB 5 for NOC B work experience).
  • Enter the Express Entry pool under Canadian Experience Class.

If you need more information about this program, please do not hesitate to get in touch today at info@dhunnaimmigration.ca