Canada Experience Class (CEC)

Individuals who have worked in Canada and desire to establish permanent residency for themselves and their accompanying dependents may be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

The CEC program acknowledges the valuable contributions of candidates who have spent significant time pursuing their studies and careers within Canada. It recognizes their positive impact on the Canadian economy and their establishment of strong ties to Canadian society.

Requirements for Canadian Experience Class

Eligibility for permanent residency through the CEC is assessed based on specific criteria, making it a straightforward process:

Work Experience: The candidate must have accumulated 12 months of full-time work experience in an occupation falling under National Occupation Classification (NOC) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3. These categories encompass managerial, professional, technical, or skilled trade roles.

Timing: The qualifying Canadian work experience must have been acquired within the 36 months immediately preceding the application date.

Language Proficiency: The candidate must demonstrate proficiency in one of Canada's official languages, which includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The required level of proficiency depends on the occupation in which the candidate gained their Canadian work experience. For NOC categories TEER 0 and 1, Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 is required, while for TEER 2 and 3, CLB level 5 suffices.

Admissibility: The candidate must not be inadmissible to Canada on medical, criminal, or security grounds.

Qualifying Work Experience

Qualifying work experience should be full-time, equivalent to 30 hours per week. Part-time work is considered on a proportional basis. For example, 6 months of part-time skilled work at 15 hours per week would count as three months towards the required 12 months. It's important to note that work experience gained in Canada without valid work authorization, self-employment, or during full-time study is not considered.

Language Proficiency Equivalencies

The required level of language proficiency in French or English can be demonstrated through tests like the International English Language Testing arrangement (IELTS) and the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF). Equivalencies exist between the language requirements and these test results.

The Canadian Experience Class offers an excellent pathway for individuals already familiar with life in Canada who wish to make it their permanent home. For eligible candidates, it provides a swift and dependable route to permanent residency, based on objective criteria. Additionally, applications can be submitted from within Canada while the candidate holds appropriate temporary status, making it a seamless transition from temporary to permanent status in Canada.

Please note that the Canadian Experience Class does not apply to individuals looking to settle in the Province of Quebec. However, work experience gained in Quebec is valid for meeting the CEC program requirements if the candidate intends to relocate to another province.