Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

If you’ve already lived, studied, or worked in Canada and are thinking, “How can I make this beautiful country my forever home?” the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) might just be your answer.

This program is part of Canada’s Express Entry system and is designed especially for people who’ve proven they can thrive in Canada. Maybe you’ve graduated from a Canadian school, worked here for a while, or even supported a partner who’s studying, if that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

Let’s break things down simply and clearly so you can understand your options and take your next steps with confidence.

What Is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The CEC is one of the most direct and efficient routes to permanent residency (PR) in Canada. It’s designed for people with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years.

Think of it as Canada’s way of saying: “You’ve already proven yourself , let’s make it official.”

And here’s what makes it especially attractive:

• No need for a job offer
• No educational credential assessment (ECA) required
• Just real Canadian work experience, backed by valid documents

Who Can Apply?

CEC is tailored for people like:

• International graduates with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
• Temporary foreign workers with at least one year of full-time Canadian experience
• Spouses of international students who got an open work permit and completed one year of eligible work

If you’ve worked legally in Canada for a year, full-time or the equivalent in part-time, you might be ready to apply.

Main Benefits of CEC

• Fast processing (typically around 6 months)
• No job offer required (though it can boost your score)
• No settlement funds needed if you’re already working here
• Freedom to live anywhere in Canada (except Quebec)
• Entirely online application process
• Lower overall costs than many other immigration pathways

If you’re someone who’s already adapted to Canadian life, this program rewards that effort with a smoother, faster path to residency.

Eligibility Criteria

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to qualify.

1. Skilled Work Experience in Canada

Your work must have been done in Canada with valid authorization. If it was “remote,” you still had to be physically in Canada and working for a Canadian employer. You can count up to 30 hours per week toward your total. Anything above 30 hours a week doesn’t add extra hours.

Self-employment and work done while you were a student (including co-op cources) do not count. There’s a temporary, narrow exception for some physicians, which must be clearly identified.

• Duration: At least 1 year (1,560 hours) in the last 3 years
• Job type: Must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of Canada’s NOC (National Occupation Classification)
• Job format: Can be full-time or part-time, but not self-employed

Quick Tip: TEER 0–3 jobs include managers, professionals (like engineers), technicians, tradespeople, and more.

❌ Did you work while you were still a student? Unfortunately, that experience doesn’t count. You need to gain work experience after graduation with a valid work permit.

2. Language Proficiency

You’ll need to prove your ability in English or French with one of the accepted tests:

• For TEER 0 and 1 jobs: CLB 7 (moderate proficiency)
• For TEER 2 and 3 jobs: CLB 5 (basic to intermediate proficiency)

Accepted Tests:

• English: CELPIP (General) or IELTS (General Training)
• French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada

How do your test scores convert to CLB levels? There are official conversion tables, and we can help walk you through them.

Document Checklist for CEC

• Valid Passport
• Photo
• Language test: IELTS General, CELPIP General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada (must be <2 years old)
• Canadian work experience:
  • Employer reference letters on letterhead for each job claimed: titles, duties, dates, hours/week, salary, supervisor’s name/title/signature + contact info.
  •  Supporting proof: recent pay stubs, T4/NOA (if available), contracts/ROE.
• Copies of your valid work permit(s) (e.g., PGWP), entry stamps/visas or eTAs showing you were authorized to work in Canada while gaining CEC experience
• Education
  • Canadian credentials (if any) or ECA report
• Police certificates
• Medical exam
• Certified translations (in English or French)

How to Apply Through CEC (Step-by-Step)

Let’s simplify the process. Here’s what your journey might look like:

Step 1: Get a Legal Canadian Work Permit

Start with either:

• An open work permit (for spouses of students or eligible foreign workers), or
• A closed/employer-specific permit (with or without LMIA)

Step 2: Complete One Year of Skilled Work

You need 12 months of full-time or 24 months of part-time work experience in a qualifying job. This can be with one or multiple employers.

Step 3: Take a Language Test

Register and complete a language test. You must meet the minimum CLB score based on your TEER level.

Step 4: Create Your Express Entry Profile

Head over to Canada’s official immigration website and build your profile. You’ll need:

• Language test results
• Work experience details
• Passport or ID
• ECA (only if your education is from outside Canada)

Step 5: Improve Your CRS Score (Optional but Smart!)

Want to stand out? Consider:

• Retaking your language test
• Gaining more work experience
• Getting a job offer
• Including your spouse’s details

Step 6: Receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply)

If your profile is selected, you’ll get an invitation to submit your PR application. Congrats!

Step 7: Submit Your Application

You’ll have 60 days to upload documents and pay fees:

• Application fee: CAD $850 (adults), $230 (kids)
• Right of PR fee: CAD $515 (adults)
• Biometrics: CAD $85 per person or $170 per family

Step 8: Get Your AOR (Acknowledgement of Receipt)

This confirms your application was received by IRCC.

Step 9: Biometrics, Background Checks, and Review

You may be asked to submit biometrics or additional documents. This phase takes around 5–6 months.

Step 10: Receive Your COPR and Visa

If approved, you’ll get:

• COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence)
• Passport Request Letter (PPR)

Step 11: Land in Canada

Once your visa is issued, you must enter Canada before the expiry date. Upon landing, you become a Canadian permanent resident!

Common Reasons for Rejection (and How to Avoid Them)

Unfortunately, not every application goes smoothly. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Expired or missing language test results
• Work experience that doesn’t meet TEER/NOC requirements
• Incomplete or incorrect documents
• A low CRS score
• Inadmissibility issues (criminal record, medical)

How can you protect your application? Double-check everything before you submit. And when in doubt, get help. Immigration professionals can spot issues before they become deal-breakers.

Final Thoughts: Is the CEC Right for You?

If you’ve already worked in Canada, the Canadian Experience Class offers one of the most straightforward, affordable, and fast-tracked routes to permanent residency.

It’s not just a program, it’s recognition of your effort, your contribution, and your potential.

So, if you’re ready to make Canada your forever home, why not take the next step?

Need help figuring out your eligibility or next move? We’re here for you; reach out today for a free consultation and let’s explore your future together.

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