Overview of Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
In 2008, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program to address the needs of skilled workers already inside Canada. This program was specifically designed to provide a streamlined pathway to permanent residence for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who had gained valuable work experience in Canada.
Over the years, the CEC has become one of Canada’s most significant immigration pathways for skilled workers. Its success is widely acknowledged by governments at all levels, employers, communities and the candidates who have benefited from the program. By leveraging the talents and contributions of individuals familiar with Canada’s labor market and culture, the CEC has strengthened Canada’s economy and enriched its social fabric.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Work Experience:
- Applicants must have completed at least one year (equivalent to 1,560 hours) of skilled, professional or technical work experience in Canada.
- This experience must be gained within the 36 months (three years) immediately preceding the date of the application.
- Language Proficiency:
- Applicants must demonstrate language abilities by meeting or exceeding the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores:
- CLB 5 (initial intermediate level) for jobs classified under NOC TEER categories 2 or 3.
- CLB 7 (adequate intermediate proficiency) for jobs classified under NOC TEER categories 0 or 1.
- Language proficiency must be proven through approved language tests for English or French.
- Applicants must demonstrate language abilities by meeting or exceeding the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores:
- Intent to Reside Outside Quebec:
- Applicants must plan to live and work outside the province of Quebec.
- Those with work experience in Quebec, or who intend to reside in the province, may instead apply through the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), which is managed separately by Quebec’s immigration authorities.
These criteria ensure that candidates possess the necessary skills, language proficiency, and intent to contribute effectively to the Canadian economy outside Quebec.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Complete Your Educational Program
Successfully finish a program of study at a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI). Ensure that the program and institution meet the eligibility criteria for post-graduation opportunities.Step 2: Obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This open work permit allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience in your field.Step 3: Gain Qualifying Canadian Work Experience
Using your PGWP, accumulate at least 1,560 hours of paid work experience (equivalent to one year of full-time employment) in a job classified under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3. This experience must be obtained within the three years prior to applying for permanent residence.Step 4: Meet Language Proficiency Requirements
Take an IRCC-designated language test in English or French and achieve the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels:- CLB 7 for work experience in NOC TEER categories 0 or 1.
- CLB 5 for work experience in NOC TEER categories 2 or 3.
Step 5: Enter the Express Entry Pool and Apply
Create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool of candidates. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), submit your permanent residence application through IRCC. The department aims to process most applications within six months of receiving a complete submission. By following these steps, international graduates can leverage their education and work experience in Canada to establish a successful pathway to permanent residence.Start Your CEC Journey Now
From Temporary to Permanent: Canadian Experience Class made easy
Why Choose Canadian Experience Class?
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a popular immigration program designed for skilled workers who have already gained valuable work experience in Canada. Here’s why you should consider the CEC:
Faster Processing Times:- CEC applications are often processed much faster than other immigration programs, with processing times typically ranging from 6 to 8 months.
- Due to the higher CRS score assigned to Canadian work experience, CEC candidates often have a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
- Your Canadian work experience is highly valued and can significantly boost your application.
- The CEC provides a direct route to permanent residency, allowing you to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
- Having Canadian work experience can enhance your job prospects and open doors to new opportunities.
- Canada offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and world-class education.
- Canada is a multicultural country that welcomes people from all over the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CEC is an immigration pathway for skilled workers with Canadian work experience, allowing them to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
To qualify, you must:
- Have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada (within the last three years).
- Meet the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for your job category.
- Plan to live outside Quebec.
Yes, part-time work is eligible, as long as it adds up to 1,560 hours (equivalent to one year of full-time work).
No, a job offer is not required. However, having one can boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry pool.
Yes, international graduates can apply if they have gained at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada after completing their studies.
What People Say About Us
Sangam Immigration helped me sponsor my parents. Our family is now reunited and this is so beautiful.
They scrutinize every detail submitted, to ensure accuracy. We are grateful that we can live together here in Canada.
Like everybody else, I just won’t say that I highly recommend Neha, but I’d say book an initial consultation and you will see for yourself the security, empathy and detail-oriented work from one of the best immigration consultants in Canada.
Honestly, I received a very detailed and encouraging consultation from Neha’s team. Sangam Immigration Services is extremely professional with its immigration process and also friendly with a personal touch. It is a safe place for you to ask all your questions.
I’ve had very good experience with Sangam immigrations when I contacted them for my sisters visa processing details. They have answered every single query with utmost patience and detailing and also provided few other info which we were unaware of that were very important for the processing. Would highly recommend their service for any aspirants wishing to travel and settle in Canada
Being an immigrant, I understand how important it is to trust a worthy immigration service when a lot of money is put on stake. Neha, who owns Sangam Immigration Services is trustworthy, and provides latest information on current immigration system and situation. She dig deep into client’s profile and would educate how to get through the system.
Sangam Immigration is what you should look for in a well rounded immigration service.
They are warm and make the work so easy. They are clear and concise in terms what all documents are required. Their guidance helps to get visa quickly.