Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration program designed for foreign workers who have gained skilled work experience in Canada. It is one of the three main economic class immigration programs in Canada, along with the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Eligibility
Minimum requirements |
|
---|---|
Education |
No minimum requirement |
Language |
TEER 0 or TEER 1 skill – CLB/ NCLC 7 TEER 2 or 3 skills – CBL/ NCLC 5 |
Admissibility |
Must be admissible to Canada |
Proof of funds |
Not required. |
Work experience requirements
Education
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration program designed for foreign workers who have gained skilled work experience in Canada. It is one of the three main economic class immigration programs in Canada, along with the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Language requirements
English or French levels are measured by:
- Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English
- Niveaux de competence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French
Currently, the following language tests are admissible by IRCC.
English
- CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program – General test
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System – General Training option
French
- TEF Canada: Test devaluation de francais
- TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du francais
Note: The Pearson Test of English Essential (PTE Essential) is anticipated to be accepted by IRCC as of late 2023. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/standard-requirements/language-requirements/designated-testing-agencies.html
If your application is successful, where can you live in Canada?
- You can live in any province except Quebec.
- If you are accepted under a Provincial Nominee Program, you must live in the relevant province.
Who cannot apply under this stream?
- Refugee claimants
- Who is working without authorization.
- Whose work experience was gained without temporary resident status.
To be eligible for the CEC program, candidates must meet the following requirements
- Have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years before applying.
- Have gained work experience through legal means.
- Meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing in either English or French.
- Have gained work experience in one of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A, or B occupations.
The application process for the CEC program includes the following steps
- Create an Express Entry profile and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you meet the eligibility requirements and have a high enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
- Submit a complete application with all required documents and pay the application fee.
- Undergo medical exams, security, and criminal background checks.
- Receive a final decision on your application.
The CEC program has several benefits for foreign workers who want to immigrate to Canada, including
- No job offer required: CEC does not require a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- No minimum education level: CEC does not require a minimum education level.
- No proof of funds: You do not have to meet the funds’ requirement if you were invited to apply under the CEC.
- Faster processing times: The CEC applications are typically processed faster than other economic class immigration programs.
- Canadian work experience: Candidates who have worked in Canada for at least one year have a better understanding of Canadian culture, job market, and language, which can increase their chances of success in finding employment and integrating into Canadian society.