Permanent Residence with the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Canada, known for its welcoming immigration policies, presents the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) as a prime avenue for temporary foreign workers and international graduates to transition into permanent residents. This program, nestled within the Express Entry system, was initiated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2008, specifically designed to streamline the pathway for individuals with existing Canadian experience.

Eligibility for CEC

Compared to its counterparts in the Express Entry system, the CEC boasts minimal eligibility criteria:

• Candidates need to have accumulated one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years.
• Candidates must score a minimum of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for NOC A category jobs or CLB 5 for skilled trades.

International Graduates and CEC

While the CEC primarily targets candidates with existing work experience in Canada, international graduates have an additional route. Graduates from eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) can pursue a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), offering an opportunity to gain the required one year of skilled work experience before applying for the CEC.

Navigating the Express Entry System

The CEC is one of three economic immigration pathways managed through Express Entry, alongside the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). To initiate the process, candidates create a profile on the IRCC website, receiving a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on various factors like age, language proficiency, work experience, and education. The highest-scoring candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency, with 60 days to submit the application to IRCC upon receiving the I

Benefits of CEC

The CEC stands out for its streamlined approach and notable benefits:

• A direct pathway to permanent residence for individuals with Canadian work experience.
• Strong labour market outcomes, supported by Statistics Canada research.
• Simplified eligibility criteria compared to FSWP and FSTP, exempting the need for proof of funds or an Educational Assessment Credential.

CEC Invitations Resumption

After a temporary pause in CEC draws since September 2021 to address Express Entry backlogs, IRCC has announced the resumption of CEC draws in early July 2022. This aligns with Canada’s ambitious plan to welcome over 110,000 immigrants through Express Entry by 2024.

In conclusion, the Canadian Experience Class serves as a beacon for those looking to transition from temporary to permanent residence, leveraging their valuable Canadian work experience. As the Express Entry system gains prominence, the CEC stands as a testament to Canada’s commitment to diverse and skilled immigration. Stay tuned for new opportunities and embark on your journey towards Canadian permanent residency!