What is the Canadian Experience Class program?
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the Express Entry-managed economic immigration programs. This economic immigration program is designed for temporary foreign skilled workers and foreign graduates with Canadian work experience who wish to become Canadian Permanent Residents.
In this program, it is mandatory for the skilled worker to meet the minimum requirements of language proficiency, education, and work experience.
Once a skilled worker meets the eligibility criteria of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program and submits an Express Entry profile, IRCC ranks the profile among other skilled workers using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score, and the profile with the highest CRS Score receives the highest rank in the Express Entry Pool, increasing the chances of receiving an invitation from IRCC to apply for a Canadian Permanent Residence Visa.
Minimum Requirements for Canadian Experience Class?
Work Experience
It is mandatory for the skilled worker to have at least one (1) year of cumulative paid and full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in Canada in the past 3 years before the submission of the application. Work experience can be in 1 or more of the below-stated National Occupational Classification (NOC) job groups:
- TEER 0 (Management occupations)
- TEER 1 (Professional occupations)
- TEER 2 (Technical occupations and skilled trades)
- TEER 3 (Intermediate occupations)
Additional Notes:
- Self-employment and work experience gained as a full-time student (including co-op terms) do not count towards the work experience requirement.
- If you are a Provincial Nominee, you must settle in the province or territory that nominated you.
Special Note:In the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, IRCC does not count work experience gained by the skilled worker being self-employed or during studies, even if the skilled worker was on a co-op work permit.
Language Proficiency Requirements
When it comes to immigration, language proficiency is critical. According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the minimum language score requirements for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program vary depending on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) job group/s, i.e.
- For TEER “0” or “1” jobs: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7, and
- For TEER “2” or “3” jobs: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5
Education Requirements
If earned within Canada
- For Skilled Workers who attended qualification from school/ college within Canada, a diploma/ degree from a secondary institution (high school) or post-secondary institution is required
If earned outside of Canada
- If the Skilled Workers attended qualification from school/ college outside of Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Report from one of the ECA Designated Authorities, for the purpose of immigration is required.
- ECA Report showing earned education is equal to a diploma/ degree from a Canadian secondary institution (high school) or post-secondary institution.
Admissibility
- You must be admissible to Canada, meaning you should not have any criminal or medical issues that would prevent your entry.
Residency Location
- You must intend to live outside the province of Quebec, as Quebec has its own selection process for skilled workers.
Additional Notes:
- Ensure all information provided is accurate and supported by documentation.
- Have all required documents ready and properly formatted.
- Regularly update your Express Entry profile with any changes.
Processing Time For Canadian Experience Class Program
Let's discuss how long it takes to process your application for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It takes time, but the outcome is worthwhile, much like waiting for a cake to bake. Initially, there is no estimated time of completion as it varies based on factors such as the complexity of your application and the caseload of the processing officer. Processing times for your Canadian Experience Class (CEC) application can often take several months, but typically, a positive decision is made within 6 months.
While waiting, you can check your application's status online. It's akin to peeking through the oven door to check on your cake, except here, it's about your future in Canada. So, while it may require patience, stay hopeful. Before you know it, you'll receive the good news that your application has been approved, and you'll be on your way to enjoying all that Canada has to offer.
Differences between CEC, FSWP, and FSTP:
| Criteria | Canadian Experience Class | Federal Skilled Worker Program | Federal Skilled Trades Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language skills |
English or French skills
|
English or French skills
|
English or French skills
|
| Type/Level of work experience |
Canadian work experience in:
|
Work experience in an occupation listed in:
|
Work experience in a skilled trade under key groups of:
|
| Amount of work experience | One year in Canada in the last 3 years (combination of full-time or part-time work) | One year continuous within the last 10 years (combination of part-time, full-time or more than 1 job in your primary occupation) | Two years within last 5 years (combination of full-time or part-time work) |
| Job offer | Not required | Not required | Required |
| Education | Not required. | Secondary education required. | Not required. |
