Canadian Experience Class

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

Work experience requirements

• To apply under this stream, you must have a minimum of one year of full-time or equalling part-time work experience within the last 3 years.
• Work experience must be in Canada.
• What is skilled work experience?
  Work experience gained in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job categories.
• How to calculate work experience?
  Full-time at one job – 1 year full-time work experience is 30 hours per week for 12 months or 1,560 hours at one job.
  Equalling part-time – 1 year full-time is 15 hours per week for 24 months or 1,560 hours. This may be in more than one job.
  Full-time work at more than one job – 1 year full-time work experience is 30 hours per week for 12 months or 1,560 hours at more than one job.
• You must obtain the required work experience working in Canada under a valid temporary resident status that permits you to work.
• Work experience obtained under a study permit is not applicable as work experience for CEC.
• Work experience must be paid work. This may include wages or commissions. Unpaid internships or volunteer work are not calculated as work experience.
• Work hours that exceed the 30-hour cap per week are not counted.

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

1. Have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years before applying.
2. Have gained work experience through legal means.
3. Meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing in either English or French.
4. 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

1. Create an Express Entry profile and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you meet the eligibility requirements and have a high enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
3. Submit a complete application with all required documents and pay the application fee.
4. Undergo medical exams, security, and criminal background checks.
5. Receive a final decision on your application.

The CEC program has several benefits for foreign workers who want to immigrate to Canada, including

1. No job offer required: CEC does not require a job offer from a Canadian employer.
2. No minimum education level: CEC does not require a minimum education level.
3. No proof of funds: You do not have to meet the funds’ requirement if you were invited to apply under the CEC.
4. Faster processing times: The CEC applications are typically processed faster than other economic class immigration programs.
5. 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.