Canadian Experience Class

About the Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three main federal programs under Express Entry. It is specifically designed for skilled workers who already have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program, CEC does not require a minimum education level or a job offer, making it an accessible pathway for temporary foreign workers who have already integrated into the Canadian labour market.

CEC draws are held regularly throughout the year, and the CRS cutoff tends to be lower than general draws because candidates with Canadian work experience already receive significant CRS points for their experience.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years.
• Work experience must be in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
• Language ability:
  • CLB 7 or higher for NOC TEER 0 or 1 occupations
  • CLB 5 or higher for NOC TEER 2 or 3 occupations
• Must plan to live outside Quebec.
• Must meet all other Express Entry requirements (admissibility, etc.).

Work Experience Details

• Can be full-time (30+ hours per week) or an equal amount in part-time work.
• Multiple jobs can be combined to reach the 1-year requirement.
• Work must have been completed while physically living and working in Canada.
• Self-employment and work gained during full-time studies generally do not count.

How to Apply

1. Create an Express Entry profile online through the IRCC website.
2. Submit your language test results (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF or TCF for French).
3. Get your work experience verified and ensure your NOC code matches your job duties.
4. Receive your CRS score and enter the Express Entry pool.
5. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), submit your complete PR application within 60 days.