Immigrate to Canada Through Express Entry - Turningstone Immigration Consulting

Canadian Experience Class: Immigration to Canada

Last Updated: 26 July 2021

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program offers an opportunity for temporary foreign workers working in certain occupations to obtain permanent residence in Canada.

To be eligible for the CEC, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Gained at least one year of skilled, professional or technical work experience in Canada within 36 months of the application date; and
  • Meet Language Requirements of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 for NOC B jobs or CLB 7, for NOC skill level 0 or A jobs.
  • Plan to live and work outside of the province of Quebec (if you plan to live outside Quebec, you may be eligible to apply to the Quebec Experience Class).

To gain 1 year (12 months) experience you must be performing at least 1,560 hours of skilled work in Canada as per the NOC 0, A or B. The 1,560 hours can be gained through full-time and/or part-time work.

Important: Self-employment and work experience gained while you were studying as a full-time student (for example, on a co-op work term) does not count under the Canadian Experience Class.

For applying under the Canadian Experience Class you do not need to be residing in Canada, you can apply as long as you have the relevant 1-year of experience within three years of leaving your job in Canada.

If the minimum eligibility requirements are met, you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.

How International Students can gain Permanent Residence through CEC

International students who come to Canada to study and successfully complete their studies through an eligible program in Canada are the major group who benefit from the CEC program. Below is the most common way to obtain Canadian Permanent Residence through the CEC as an international student.

1. Complete your education at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada
2. Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completion of education through IRCC
3. Gain at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in a NOC 0, A, or B job while working on PGWP.
4. Take an English or French language test and score the minimum (CLB) (CLB 7 for NOC 0 and A and CLB 5 for NOC B work experience).
5. Make your Express Entry Profile. If you get an invitation to apply (ITA), IRCC will process your permanent residence application within six months.

How Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) can gain Permanent Residence through CEC

Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) who come to Canada on a work permit are also eligible under the CEC when they have obtained at least 1560 hours of Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation.

1. Obtain a Canadian Work Permit
2. Gain at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in a NOC 0, A, or B job.
3. Take an English or French language test and score the minimum (CLB) (CLB 7 for NOC 0 and A and CLB 5 for NOC B work experience).
4. Make your Express Entry Profile. If you get an invitation to apply (ITA), IRCC will process your permanent residence application within six months.