Canadian Experience Class

PR for temporary residents with Canadian work experience.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a fast and popular immigration program for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. It is one of the three programs managed by the Express Entry system.

 

Canadian Experience Class

PR for temporary residents with Canadian work experience.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a fast and popular immigration program for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. It is one of the three programs managed by the Express Entry system.

 

What is the Canadian Experience Class?

The Canadian Experience Class is designed for individuals who have already established themselves in the Canadian labor market. Unlike other programs that focus on foreign experience or job offers, the CEC is a streamlined pathway to permanent residence for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have a strong foundation in Canada.

 

General Requirements

  • Canadian Work Experience: You must have at least one year of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. Your work must be classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.


  • Language Skills: You must take an approved language test and meet a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or CLB 5 for a TEER 2 or 3 occupation.


  • No Proof of Funds: You are not required to show proof of funds to be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class.


  • Admissibility: You must not have any criminal records or other issues that would make you inadmissible to Canada. This is a fundamental requirement for all Canadian immigration applicants.

Age

Your age is a major factor in your CRS score. The highest points are awarded to candidates between the ages of 20 and 29.

Spouse's Factors

You can gain additional CRS points if your spouse or common-law partner has strong language skills, Canadian work experience, or a Canadian education.

Education

Although not required, your education significantly boosts your CRS score. Having a Canadian degree or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education is crucial for a competitive profile.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Receiving a provincial nomination is one of the fastest ways to improve your CRS score, adding 600 points and virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you’re handling it yourself or need guidance throughout, we’re here to support you.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.
 

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you're ready to start on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.

Express
Consultation

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$49.99 (CAD)

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Answers to basic question

Overview of immigration pathways

Key information on requirements

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Premium Consultation & Eligibility Assessment

In-depth analysis, eligibility assessment & tailored strategy

$149.99 (CAD)

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Customized plan to maximize success

Eligibility review, CRS score, and best pathways

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Self-Managed Application Support Consultation

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Get the help you need to succeed.

Optimize Your CRS Score

We ensure that every possible avenue to increase your CRS score is explored and executed correctly, giving you the highest possible chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Choose the Best Strategy

We assess whether you qualify best under the Canadian Experience Class or one of the other programs managed by Express Entry, ensuring your profile is positioned for success.

Avoid Costly Mistakes 

Our experts meticulously review every detail of your application to avoid inconsistencies, missing paperwork, and other costly mistakes.

Have a Backup Plan

If your CRS score is not high enough, we can help you explore options like Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that might be a better fit.

What is NOC?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the official system used by the Canadian government to classify jobs based on their duties and the type of work performed. Finding your correct NOC code is the first crucial step in the FSWP process. It determines whether your work experience is considered "skilled" and therefore eligible for Express Entry.


To find your NOC, you should not rely on your job title alone. Instead, use the official NOC website and search for your occupation. Read the "Main Duties" section of the job descriptions to find the one that best matches your responsibilities. This ensures you select the correct code, which is essential for the accuracy of your Express Entry profile.

Find your NOC

Use the official Government of Canada tool to access the complete list of occupations and find the code that matches your work experience.

The CEC Advantage

The Canadian Experience Class is not a points-based program like the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Instead, it is a pass/fail system based on your eligibility. This means that meeting the basic requirements of Canadian work experience and language skills is the only criteria you need to satisfy to enter the Express Entry pool, making it a direct and efficient pathway to permanent residence.

How do I calculate my CRS points?

Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is how the government of Canada ranks you within the Express Entry pool. It is calculated based on your core human capital (age, education, language skills, and work experience). The best way to get an accurate score is to use the official tool on the Canadian government's website and have all of your supporting documents, like language test results, ready.

CEC vs. FSWP vs. FSTP: What's the Difference?

Factor
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Work ExperienceAt least 1 year of skilled work in Canada (in the last 3 years).
At least 1 year of continuous skilled work (in the last 10 years).
At least 2 years of full-time work in a skilled trade (in the last 5 years).
Work Location
Must be in Canada.
Can be anywhere outside of Canada.
Can be in or outside of Canada.
Language
CLB 7 for TEER 0/1; CLB 5 for TEER 2/3.
CLB 7 in all four abilities.
CLB 5 for speaking/listening; CLB 4 for reading/writing.
Education
No education required for eligibility.
Canadian secondary or post-secondary education, or an ECA is required.
No education required, but a credential can boost your CRS score.
Proof of Funds
Not required.
Required, unless you have a valid job offer and are currently working.
Required, unless you have a valid job offer.
Job Offer
Not required.
Not required, but a valid job offer can add significant points.
Required. The job offer must be for at least one year.

Provincial Nomination
& Express Entry

Provinces and territories can nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), giving applicants a major boost in their chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Most immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers let you include your family in your application for permanent residency in Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Additionally, Canada has separate programs where citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain close relatives for immigration.

While there's no age limit to apply for economic immigration programs, your age will affect your score.  These programs award points based on various factors like education, language skills, work experience, and even having a job lined up in Canada. People between 25 and 35 get the highest score for age, but don't worry!  If you're outside this range, you can make up for it with strong points in other categories.

If you're an international student wanting to study in Canada, you'll need a study permit. To get one, you must first be accepted by a school approved by the Canadian government (called a designated learning institution). You'll also need to show you have enough money to cover your schooling, living costs, and even the ticket back home.

Our commitment is to your success, and we never recommend services unless you genuinely qualify. We believe in open communication and will always explore the most realistic options for your situation. Furthermore, our unwavering support extends beyond the application process. We're with you every step of the way, even in challenging circumstances, ensuring a smooth and successful immigration journey to Canada.

Our team is committed to your success, and we'll explore all realistic pathways to achieve your Canadian immigration goals. We believe in clear communication and will keep you informed throughout the process.

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