There are thousands of workers who are working in Canada in the hope of making this country their forever home.
And why not!
The vibrant Canadian cities, high-quality lifestyle, excellent healthcare and stunning landscape will make you fall in love with Canada.
How to make this dream come true?
There is an option which is known as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This is your golden program to gain permanent residency in the country. This is one of the most secured ways to get permanent residency for foreign workers or international students.
Now you might be thinking about how to achieve permanent residency through it. We are here to discuss eligibility requirements, application process, document checklist and PR options that will help you to seize this opportunity.
What Is The Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a popular immigration route for skilled professionals with work experience in Canada who are looking to obtain permanent residency (PR). Operated within the Express Entry system, the CEC aims to keep skilled individuals who have successfully adapted to the Canadian job market and community.
The CEC, introduced in 2008 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is one of three economic immigration programs under Express Entry, alongside the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). This program offers a chance for foreign workers and international graduates with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada to obtain permanent residency. However, if you live in Quebec, then it’s not for you. (You might have other PR gateways based on your profile)
Why Choose the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
- Fast Processing: CEC applications are typically processed within 4–8 months, making it one of the quickest routes to PR.
- No Education Requirement: Unlike other Express Entry streams, the CEC does not mandate formal education, though education can boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
- No Settlement Funds: Applicants are exempt from providing settlement funds if they are authorised to work in Canada.
- High Success Rate: Canadian work experience enhances CRS scores, increasing the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Eligibility Requirements For The Canadian Experience Class
To qualify for the CEC, applicants must meet specific criteria based on work experience, language proficiency, and residency intentions. Below is a detailed breakdown:
- You must have 12 months or 1,560 hours total of full-time or equivalent part-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last 36 months before applying.
- The work should be in a job classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER). one or more jobs that fall under the Training, Education, Experience, Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 as defined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- The employer must be a Canadian/ Canadian organisation.
- Work has to be paid; there are no volunteer jobs.
- Must take language test to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, measured by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), for TEER 0 or 1 Jobs: Minimum CLB 7 (adequate intermediate proficiency) and for TEER 2 or 3 Jobs: Minimum CLB 5 (initial intermediate proficiency).
- There is no education requirement.
- You must intend to live outside the province of Quebec.
- You must be admissible to Canada, meaning you pass security, background, and medical checks.
What Is The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score?
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score emphasises Canadian work experience and other factors, including education and language skills. The CRS gives a total of 1,200 points at most, which are determined by different factors that evaluate how well you can thrive in Canada’s economy and society. Immigration applicants in the Express Entry pool are evaluated and ranked against each other through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The CRS evaluates factors such as age; younger candidates (20–29) score higher. Even though there is no education requirement, Post-secondary credentials earn more points. Good work experience will add points. If you have a valid job offer (50–200 points) or provincial nomination (600 points) it will significantly increase your score.
There is no minimum score, but a score of 460-550 is crucial for receiving an ITA (Invitation to Apply). You must calculate your CRS score before applying.
How To Improve Your CRS Score
- Retake Language Tests: Aim for CLB 9 or higher to maximise points.
- Gain More Work Experience: Additional Canadian work experience adds points.
- Pursue Education: Obtain a Canadian credential or an ECA for foreign degrees.
- Secure a Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can add 50–200 points.
- Apply for Provincial Nomination: A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination adds 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
- Learn French: Learning French gives the maximum amount of additional CRS score. You can even be eligible for French-only draws with a CRS score as low as 350.
Application Process For The CEC
The CEC application process consists of multiple steps, beginning with verifying your eligibility and concluding with submitting your PR application. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through it:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Utilise the IRCC’s “Come to Canada” tool or speak with an immigration expert to ensure you qualify for the CEC.
Step 2: Complete Language Testing and ECA (if needed)
Take a recognised language test, and if you have education from outside Canada, get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm your qualifications.
Step 3: Create Your Express Entry Profile
Fill out an Expression of Interest (EOI) on the IRCC website, including information about your work history, education, language skills, and personal details. Your profile will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and will be placed in the Express Entry pool, which is valid for one year.
Step 4: Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Wait for an Express Entry draw. If your CRS score is high enough, you’ll receive an ITA, which gives you 60 days to submit your complete PR application.
Step 5: Submit Your PR Application
Provide the necessary documents, such as:
- Language test results
- Reference letters that confirm your work experience
- A valid work permit
- Police clearance and medical exam results
- Passport and travel documents
Optional documents may include an ECA, marriage or birth certificates, or proof of a job offer. Don’t forget to pay the application fees, which are around CAD 1,365 for the main applicant and CAD 230 for the right of permanent residence fee.
Step 6: Receive Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
If your application is approved, you’ll get a COPR and, if necessary, a PR visa to travel to Canada and finalise your landing. The processing time usually ranges from 3 to 6 months.
Options For Permanent Residency For CEC Applicants
In addition to the CEC, applicants can consider other pathways to improve their chances of obtaining permanent residency:
1. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Every province, except Quebec and Nunavut, has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) designed for individuals whose skills or work experience meet local job market demands. Receiving a provincial nomination grants an additional 600 CRS points, significantly increasing the likelihood of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have specific streams for Express Entry candidates.
2. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to CEC
International students who complete their studies at a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) can apply for a PGWP, which permits them to work in Canada for up to three years. This work experience can help them qualify for the CEC.
3. Bridging Open Work Permit
If your work permit is about to expire and you have received an ITA, you might qualify for a bridging open work permit. This allows you to keep working while your permanent residency application is being processed.
Conclusion
The Canadian Experience Class is an excellent pathway for skilled workers and international graduates to achieve permanent residency in Canada. With no education or settlement fund requirements and a fast processing time, the CEC rewards those who have contributed to Canada’s economy. By meeting eligibility criteria, optimising your CRS score, and exploring additional PR options like the PNP, you can increase your chances of success. Start your journey today by assessing your eligibility and creating an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website.