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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a federal permanent residence pathway for skilled workers who have gained at least one year of full-time, authorized work experience in Canada. It is managed through the Express Entry system, offering a streamlined route for temporary residents to transition to permanent status.

Stay

Leads to permanent residence (PR).

Processing

Approximately 6 months.

Fees

Principal applicant: $1,590 CAD (includes processing and Right of Permanent Residence Fee). Additional fees apply for family members.

Work rights

Applicants must have held valid work authorization during their qualifying Canadian work experience. Once PR is granted, you have full work rights in Canada.

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Overview

The Canadian Experience Class is designed for individuals already established in the Canadian workforce. Unlike other programs, it does not require a job offer or a minimum level of education to be eligible, though these factors can improve your overall Express Entry score. You must have gained your experience legally while holding temporary resident status.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must have at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the three years before you apply. This work must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 category under the National Occupational Classification (NOC). You must also meet minimum language requirements (CLB 7 for TEER 0/1, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3) and intend to live outside the province of Quebec.

Application steps

  1. 1

    Step 1: Check Eligibility

    Confirm your work experience meets the 1,560-hour requirement and falls under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Take Language Tests

    Complete an approved English or French language test to verify you meet the minimum CLB levels.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Create Express Entry Profile

    Submit your profile online to enter the candidate pool and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

    If your CRS score meets the cutoff for a draw, you will receive an ITA.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Submit Application

    Upload all required documents and pay the processing fees within the deadline specified in your ITA.

Required documents

  • Valid passport
  • Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
  • Proof of Canadian work experience (reference letters, T4 slips, pay stubs)
  • Police certificates
  • Medical exam results

PR, family, language & arrival

Path to longer stay / PR

This program is a direct pathway to permanent residence. Once approved, you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can apply for a PR card.

Family options

You may include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application for permanent residence.

Language notes

You must take an approved test. CLB 7 is required for TEER 0/1 roles; CLB 5 is required for TEER 2/3 roles.

After arrival

Upon landing, you become a permanent resident, allowing you to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada (except Quebec, which has its own system).

Common pitfalls

  • Miscalculating work hours (only paid, authorized hours count)
  • Including self-employment or work gained while a full-time student
  • Using expired language test results
  • Failing to provide sufficient proof of duties for the NOC code claimed

FAQs about Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Who is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for?+

Temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have already accumulated at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.

What are the eligibility requirements for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?+

To qualify, you must have at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the three years before you apply. This work must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 category under the National Occupational Classification (NOC). You must also meet minimum language requirements (CLB 7 for TEER 0/1, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3) and intend to live outside the province of Quebec.

How much does the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) cost?+

Typical fees listed for Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Principal applicant: $1,590 CAD (includes processing and Right of Permanent Residence Fee). Additional fees apply for family members.. Always confirm on the official government site.

How long does Canadian Experience Class (CEC) processing take?+

ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Approximately 6 months..

How long can I stay on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?+

Leads to permanent residence (PR).

Can I work on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?+

Applicants must have held valid work authorization during their qualifying Canadian work experience. Once PR is granted, you have full work rights in Canada.

Does Canadian Experience Class (CEC) lead to permanent residence in Canada?+

This program is a direct pathway to permanent residence. Once approved, you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can apply for a PR card.

What are common mistakes with Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?+

Miscalculating work hours (only paid, authorized hours count) Including self-employment or work gained while a full-time student Using expired language test results

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