The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the programs under the Express Entry system, designed for skilled workers who have gained work experience in Canada. This program allows individuals with temporary work permits to transition to permanent residency (PR).
Eligibility Requirements for CEC
To qualify for the CEC program, candidates must meet the following minimum criteria:
1. Canadian Work Experience
At least 1 year of full-time skilled work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in Canada within the past 3 years.
Work experience must be:
In NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (managerial, professional, or technical/skilled trades).
Obtained while legally authorized to work in Canada.
Gained after completing studies if the applicant was previously on a study permit.
Self-employment or work experience gained while studying full-time (e.g., co-op placements) does not count.
2. Language Proficiency
Achieve the minimum required score in an approved language test:
NOC TEER 0 or 1: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB 7) or higher.
NOC TEER 2 or 3: CLB 5 or higher.
Tests accepted:
English: IELTS (General Training) or CELPIP (General).
French: TEF or TCF Canada.
3. Education (Optional)
There is no minimum educational requirement for CEC.
However, candidates can improve their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by:
Submitting their educational qualifications.
Obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education to determine its equivalency in Canada.
4. Proof of Funds
Proof of funds is not required if applying under the CEC program, even if you don’t have a job offer.
5. Medical and Security Clearance
Pass a medical exam to prove good health.
Provide police clearance certificates from all countries where you’ve lived for 6+ months since the age of 18.
Application Procedure for CEC
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
Ensure you meet the requirements for Canadian work experience, language proficiency, and NOC job classification.
Step 2: Take a Language Test
Complete an approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF).
Ensure you meet the minimum CLB scores based on your NOC category.
Step 3: Create an Express Entry Profile
Submit an online profile in the Express Entry system, providing details about your work experience, language scores, and other qualifications.
Your profile will be ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Step 4: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The Canadian government conducts regular Express Entry draws, inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for PR.
Receiving an ITA means you are eligible to submit a complete PR application.
Step 5: Submit PR Application
After receiving an ITA, submit your PR application within 60 days via the online portal.
Include all supporting documents such as:
Language test results.
Proof of Canadian work experience (reference letters, pay stubs, T4 slips, etc.).
Proof of education (optional).
Step 6: Medical and Background Checks
Complete a medical examination with an approved panel physician.
Submit police clearance certificates for security verification.
Step 7: Receive PR Confirmation
If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a PR visa, allowing you to settle permanently in Canada.
Processing Time and Costs
Processing Time:
Typically 6 months from the time of submission of a complete PR application.
Costs:
Government Fees:
CAD 850 for the principal applicant.
CAD 515 for a spouse or common-law partner.
CAD 230 per dependent child.
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD 515 (paid only after approval).
Additional costs: Language test, medical exam, and police clearance fees.
Benefits of CEC
Fast Pathway to PR: Processing time is faster compared to other immigration programs.
No Proof of Funds Required: Unlike other Express Entry programs, you don’t need to show settlement funds.
Canadian Work Experience Advantage: Canadian work experience is highly valued in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Family Reunification: Bring your spouse and dependent children under your PR application.
Flexibility: No restrictions on where you can live or work in Canada after receiving PR.
Pathway to Citizenship: You can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Why Choose ConsultME for CEC Assistance?
Eligibility Check: We assess your Canadian work experience and help you confirm program eligibility.
CRS Score Optimization: We guide you on improving your CRS score through language tests, education credentials, or other factors.
Document Preparation: Assistance with submitting accurate work reference letters and proof of employment.
Step-by-Step Support: We streamline the Express Entry process from profile creation to PR application submission.