The Canadian Experience Class Program is designed for individuals with Canadian work experience who want to apply for permanent residency. This program is an excellent option for foreign workers and international students who have gained skills and experience in Canada and wish to establish themselves permanently in the country.
To be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before the application
- Meet the language proficiency requirements in English or French
- Be able to demonstrate that they have the ability and intention to become economically established in Canada
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof of language proficiency test results
- Proof of work experience in Canada
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if the applicant’s education was obtained outside of Canada
- Police certificate
- Medical examination results
To apply for the CEC program, individuals must create an online profile through the Express Entry system. Once the profile is complete, it will be placed in a pool of candidates and ranked against other candidates based on the points system. The highest-ranking candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residency.
It’s important to note that the Express Entry system is highly competitive, and it is essential to have a solid profile to increase your chances of being invited to apply.
To improve your chances of being selected, it’s recommended to meet the eligibility criteria for one or more of the programs, have a high level of language proficiency in either English or French, and have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
Suppose you’re interested in immigrating to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class program. In that case, it’s best to visit the official Government of Canada website or consult an immigration lawyer to understand the current rules and regulations and to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Who is eligible for the Canadian Experience Class Program?
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is designed for individuals with Canadian work experience who want to apply for permanent residency. To be eligible for the CEC program, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Work experience: Individuals must have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount of part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before the application.
- Language proficiency: Individuals must meet the language proficiency requirements in English or French as per the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) standards.
- Intention to settle: Individuals must demonstrate their ability and will to become economically established in Canada.
- Education: There is no specific education requirement for the CEC, but the program is designed for individuals with work experience, so a high level of education is unnecessary.
- Other eligibility factors: It’s important to note that individuals in Canada on a work permit or study permit are not eligible to apply for the CEC program unless they are eligible for an open work permit or have completed a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
How to calculate your Canadian Experience Class CRS points
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is part of the Express Entry system, which uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. The CRS is used to determine the relative ranking of candidates in the pool based on the information provided in their Express Entry profile.
The CRS awards point based on the following factors:
- Age: Points are awarded based on the candidate’s age, with the maximum points awarded to candidates aged 18 to 35 years old.
- Language proficiency: Points are awarded based on the candidate’s proficiency in English or French, which is assessed through a language test.
- Education: Points are awarded based on the candidate’s level of education, including the number of years of formal education and the type of degree or diploma.
- Work experience: Points are awarded based on the candidate’s work experience, including the number of years of professional work experience, the type of occupation, and the location of the work experience.
- Arranged employment: Points are awarded if the candidate has a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or has a nomination from a province or territory.
- Adaptability: Points are awarded based on the ability of the candidate and their accompanying family members to settle in Canada, which can include factors such as work experience, knowledge of English or French, and other factors.
The CRS awards a total of 1,200 points, and the minimum score to qualify for the CEC program is currently 350 points.
Can I apply to the Canadian Experience Class program from outside of Canada?
It is generally not possible to apply for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program outside of Canada. The CEC program is designed for individuals with Canadian work experience who want to apply for permanent residency. To be eligible for the CEC program, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Work experience: Individuals must have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount of part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before the application.
- Language proficiency: Individuals must meet the language proficiency requirements in English or French as per the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) standards.
- Intention to settle: Individuals must demonstrate their ability and will to become economically established in Canada.
It’s important to note that individuals in Canada on a work permit or study permit are not eligible to apply for the CEC program unless they are eligible for an open work permit or have completed a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
The CEC program is a part of the Express Entry system, which requires you to be physically present in Canada and have legal status in Canada when submitting your Express Entry profile.
Is proof of funds required for the Canadian Experience Class?
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program does not have a specific requirement for proof of funds. However, as part of the application process, applicants must demonstrate they have the ability and intention to become economically established in Canada; this includes the ability to support themselves and any dependents financially.
While not a specific requirement, proof of funds can be essential in demonstrating your ability to become economically established in Canada, examples of such evidence include but are not limited to: savings, assets, investments, and any other financial sources that will help you in supporting yourself and your dependents in Canada.
Does internship experience in Canada count towards my Canadian Experience Class application?
Internship experience in Canada may count towards your Canadian Experience Class (CEC) application if it meets the criteria for professional work experience. To be eligible for the CEC program, individuals must have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount of part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before the application.
Professional work experience is defined as experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Type 0, A, or B occupation. These occupations require significant education, training, or experience and often require a university degree or college diploma.
Internship experience in a NOC 0, A or B occupation similar to the work experience you will be seeking in Canada can be included as part of the 12 months of professional work experience required for the CEC program.
