Immigrate to Canada with Canadian Experience Class
For people with skilled work in Canada, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) can offer a straightforward path to permanent residency. You may have questions about applying and what the requirements are. Bondy Immigration Law provides extensive expertise in CEC immigration.
We invite you to learn more about Canadian Experience Class requirements and Canadian Experience Class processing times. Our experienced attorneys have helped guide numerous clients through Canadian Experience Class eligibility assessments to approvals. We assist individuals with optimizing applications in diverse sectors while ensuring compliance with evolving policies.
Important note: Meeting the eligibility requirements for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) does not guarantee permanent residence. Being before able to apply, eligible candidates must first receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system, which is competitive and based on ranking scores and current immigration priorities.
What Is Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Immigration?
The Canadian Experience Class is for temporary foreign workers and international graduates with Canadian work experience. It is designed to retain skilled talent already familiar with the local job market.
Who Qualifies for CEC?
If you keep hearing about what minimum score you need to qualify, that is a common misconception. A candidate for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) does not have a set minimum score, but they must enter the Express Entry pool and receive a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). IRCC periodically invites those with the highest scores to apply (known as an ITA). Only those who receive an ITA can file an application for permanent residence through the CEC. Profiles that have not received an ITA after one year are deleted from the Express Entry system, but those candidates can immediately create a new profile and re-enter the pool.
There are several basic qualifying criteria to be eligible to create a profile in Express Entry through the Canadian Experience Class.
Applicants require at least one year (1,560 hours) of full-time skilled employment in the three years prior to application, under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (e.g., management, professional, or technical roles). Part-time equivalents or multi-employer combinations qualify if paid, authorized, and verifiable. Canadian work experience must occur under valid temporary status (e.g., post-graduation or spousal work permit); any work completed while also a full-time student does not count.
English or French proficiency must be proven via one of four tests, including the IELTS or CELPIP. Candidates with work experience in skill TEER level 0 or 1 must achieve a level CLB 7 across competencies (speaking, reading, writing, and listening); candidates with work experience in TEER 2 or 3 require at least a CLB 5 across all competencies.
Education & Educational Credential Assessment: Post-secondary education is not a requirement to qualify under the Canadian Experience Class, but Canadian studies and/or an educational credential assessment (ECA) for any completed foreign post-secondary credentials can increase Express Entry points.
Applicants must also be admissible (for example, no major criminal or security issues), intend to reside outside Quebec, and pass a medical exam.
Advantages of Applying Through Canadian Experience Class
CEC benefits include efficient processing of your permanent residence application through the Express Entry application system if you receive an invitation to apply (or ITA). The likelihood of receiving an ITA depends on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, which are calculated based on factors such as age, education, language, and experience.
Another advantage is that the requirements for the CEC are simpler than for some other application categories, such as Federal Skilled Worker.
Common Challenges When Applying for CEC
Some common challenges with this category include:
- Currently, receiving an Invitation to Apply through Express Entry is overall highly competitive. Many candidates who meet CEC requirements will not receive an invitation to apply.
- Applicants sometimes select the wrong National Occupational Classification code for their work experience in their application, which can result in their application being refused.
- Language test results are only valid for two years and must be rewritten after that, or your profile will become invalid. The test results must remain valid until the application for permanent residence is submitted.
- Applications must contain sufficient and precise proof of work experience.
- The threshold required to receive an ITA can vary significantly over time, so it can be difficult to predict whether or when you may receive an ITA.
- Any application missing any documentation at all can be returned as incomplete, and there is no certainty the candidate will receive another ITA.
How Can Bondy Immigration Law Assist You With Your CEC Application?
Bondy Immigration Law has years of experience helping people with Express Entry, streamlining the process, and making it easier to understand. Our experienced immigration lawyers can help you avoid costly CEC application delays and errors and improve your opportunity for approval.
We understand that the details about Express Entry applications can be a lot to figure out. Our experienced lawyers are here to help guide you.
How the Application Process Works
Once you retain our services, the process begins with us identifying the information and documents we require to prepare your Express Entry profile. We recommend clients gather the documents they will require for their permanent residence application before we submit your profile, so we can ensure the profile is as consistent with those documents as possible and that you are ready to proceed if and when you receive an ITA. We then thoroughly review the information and documents you provide us and prepare the Express Entry profile on your behalf. Once the profile is submitted, you will be issued a CRS score, and we confirm whether the score is accurate. If you receive an ITA, we will work with you to prepare and file your application for permanent residence within the 60 day deadline. IRCC will then review the application to confirm it is complete and review it again to determine whether the requirements for CEC and for your Express Entry round of invitations are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What occupations qualify under CEC?
A: NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations qualify, such as information technology, nursing, and skilled trades. You can refer to the official NOC directory.
Q: Do I need to prove I have enough money (settlement funds)?
A: No, you do not require settlement funds if you are applying through the Canadian Experience Class.
Q: What level of English/French do I need?
A: At least a level CLB 7 in all four skill areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) for candidates relying on work experience in NOC TEER 0 or 1; and at least a level CLB 5 in all four skill areas for candidates who are only relying on work experience in TEER 2 or 3.
Q: Do I need one year of full-time work experience, or can part-time/multiple jobs count?
A: 1,560 hours of skilled, paid and authorized work experience over the past three years in Canada suffice, even if this work experience was accumulated via part-time or multiple positions. Note that it is not possible to apply before completing one year of work experience, even if you complete the 1,560 hours of work experience in under one year.
Q: Can I count work I did while studying (e.g., co-ops or internships)?
A: No, work experience obtained while a full-time student, including co-ops or internships, does not count as Canadian work experience for the Canadian Experience Class.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Avoid delays from paperwork or uncertainty. Bondy Immigration Law offers expert guidance throughout your CEC application. We invite you to contact us today (416-323-0339) to speak to our immigration lawyers regarding your CEC application. You may also email us at info@Bondyimmigration.com or contact us online.
