Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Express Entry Pathway
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the fastest immigration pathways for skilled workers who have gained work experience in Canada. It operates under the Express Entry system and provides a streamlined route to permanent residency (PR).
Eligibility Criteria for CEC
To qualify for the CEC program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Canadian Work Experience
- Must have at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying.
- The work experience must be:
- Full-time (30 hours per week for 12 months = 1,560 hours), OR
- Equivalent part-time work (e.g., 15 hours per week for 24 months = 1,560 hours total).
- Work at multiple jobs (if skilled) can be combined to meet the 1,560-hour requirement.
- The work experience must have been legally obtained in Canada with the proper work authorization (such as a valid work permit).
- Self-employment and unauthorized work do not count toward eligibility.
Occupational Skill Level
The work experience must fall under one of the skilled job categories as defined by Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system:
- TEER 0: Management occupations (e.g., Marketing Manager, IT Director)
- TEER 1: Professional jobs requiring a university degree (e.g., Engineers, Doctors, Software Developers)
- TEER 2 & 3: Technical jobs and skilled trades requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship (e.g., Chefs, Electricians, Plumbers)
Language Requirements
Applicants must take an approved language test (IELTS/CELPIP for English, TEF/TCF for French) and meet the following minimum scores:
- TEER 0 & 1 occupations: CLB/NCLC 7 (IELTS: 6.0 in each skill)
- TEER 2 & 3 occupations: CLB/NCLC 5 (IELTS: 5.0 in Listening, 4.0 in Reading, 5.0 in Writing, and 5.0 in Speaking)
- Test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.
Residency Intent
Applicants must plan to live outside Quebec, as the CEC program is not applicable to Quebec immigration pathways.
Additional Benefits of the CEC Program
- No Proof of Settlement Funds: Unlike other Express Entry programs, CEC applicants do not need to show proof of funds if they already live and work in Canada.
- Faster Processing Times: CEC applications are processed within 6 months on average.
- No Job Offer Required: While a job offer can boost an Express Entry score, it is not mandatory for CEC applicants.
CEC Application Process
Create an Express Entry Profile
Submit details about work experience, education, language scores, and other factors to receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score meets the required cut-off in a CEC-specific draw, you will receive an ITA for permanent residency.
Submit a PR Application
- After receiving an ITA, submit supporting documents, including:
- Passport & travel history
- Work experience letters
- Language test results
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical exam results
Processing & PR Approval
The IRCC processes the application within 6 months, after which successful candidates receive permanent resident status.
Why Choose the CEC Program?
- Fastest PR Pathway: Shorter processing times compared to other immigration streams.
- Work Experience Advantage: Canadian work experience gives applicants a higher CRS score.
- No LMIA or Job Offer Needed: Unlike employer-driven streams, no Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required.
- Family Benefits: Successful applicants can include spouses and dependent children in their PR application.
Skilled Immigration
Provincial Nominee Program (Skilled)
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Quebec Immigration
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Yukon Community Program (YCP)
Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Program
The Priority Skills New Foundland and Labrador