Since 2008, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) has provided a significant pathway for candidates who have worked in Canada and want to move to Canada permanently.
The CEC is a popular choice for temporary foreign workers and international graduates seeking Canadian work experience. The CEC is one of three programs overseen by Canada’s Express Entry system.
The Canadian government recognizes the large number of talented workers who already work in the country and wants them to become permanent residents. These are individuals and families who have established roots and made future plans in Canada.
What exactly is a Canadian Experience Class?
In 2008, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) established the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program to provide a dedicated skilled worker pathway to temporary foreign workers and international graduates seeking permanent residence.
Since then, the CEC has grown into one of Canada’s largest immigration pathways for skilled workers, and it is regarded as a resounding success by governments across the country, communities, employers, and immigration candidates themselves.
The Canadian Experience Class is a component of Canada’s Express Entry immigration system
Express Entry System (EE)
- On January 1, 2015, the Canadian Express Entry System was launched in the hope of increasing the number of migrants to Canada.
- Since its inception, the Canadian government has welcomed a large number of economic immigrants via the Express Entry system.
- This Express Entry system provides immigration that is best suited for students and highly skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada.
- The Express Entry program assists in the selection of applicants who meet the IRCC’s (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) guidelines.
- According to the IRCC, if you have the skills and ability to contribute to the growth of Canada’s economy, you may be chosen. Candidates with higher Express Entry scores and rankings are sent an ITA or invitation to apply directly from the country.
Once the applicant’s application is received, they must follow the standard procedure if they wish to immigrate to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class program
Advantages of CEC Canada
The CEC is part of a coordinated federal and provincial government effort to encourage more temporary foreign workers and international students to build their futures in Canada. According to IRCC, Statistics Canada, and academic studies, skilled worker candidates who have previously lived in Canada have a significant advantage in integrating into the Canadian job market. CEC immigrants can be very successful in the labor market by combining high human capital criteria (e.g., being young and middle-aged, having high levels of education, work experience, and education) with building social and professional networks in Canada.
Express Entry offers three distinct advantages and one potential disadvantage to Canadian Experience Class candidates.
- Candidates in the Canadian Experience Class have at least one year of Canadian work experience. As this is a highly valued factor under the CRS, these applicants are eligible for CRS points for their Canadian experience.
- Canadian Experience Class applications are processed quickly, often within three to four months, due to the minimal documentation required.
- Canadian Experience Class applicants are not required to show proof of settlement funds, whereas FSWC and FSTC candidates are.
Potential Disadvantage:
Even if you qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, there is no guarantee that you will be invited to apply. If your CRS score is lower than the cut-off for receiving an invitation, see our guide on how to raise your CRS score
Who can apply for the Canadian Experience Class?
Not every Canadian citizen is eligible to apply for the Canada Experience Class program. Only people who are currently residing in Canada and meet certain eligibility requirements are eligible to apply for the Canadian Experience Class.
A person applying for the Canadian Experience Class must have at least one year of skilled work experience in one of Canada’s provinces within three years of their application date.
Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
To apply for the Canadian Experience Class program, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- If you want to apply for the Canadian Experience Class, you must have at least one year of skilled work experience in any of Canada’s provinces within the last three years.
- Your work experience in Canada must have been obtained with proper authorization.
- The skilled work is clearly defined in the Canadian NOC or National Occupational Classification list. A skilled working experience means that your job must be in management, professional, technical, or skilled trade.
- Your work experience must include at least 12 months of full-time work, which is 30 hours of paid work per week or more, or an equivalent number of hours if it is a part-time job.
If a candidate has work experience while still a full-time student, that experience will not be considered.