Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class is part of the Economic Class of permanent residence and is managed by the Express Entry system. It is for those who already have skilled work experience in Canada and want to immigrate permanently.
Canadian Experience Class Requirements:
Have obtained at least 12 months of full time (or equivalent part time) work experience in Canada in the 36 months before you apply.
Work Experience must be in either a Managerial (NOC 0), Professional (NOC A) or Technical / Skilled Trade (NOC B) occupation.
Have gained your experience in Canada with the proper authorization.
Meet the minimum language scores in English or French, depending on the type of job you have experience in.
Plan to live outside the province of Quebec.
Self-employment and work experience gained while you were a full-time student (for example, on a co-op work term) does not count under this program.
Express Entry
Applicants to the Canadian Experience Class must apply through Express Entry. This involves setting up an online profile with Immigration Canada. Applicants will then be ranked against other applicants in a pool. On a regular basis, Immigration Canada will draw top candidates from the pool and send them an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Only those who get an Invitation to Apply from Immigration Canada will be able to apply. You will then have 60 days to submit a full application.
Under Express Entry most complete applications will be processed in six months or less.
Language Test and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If you meet all the requirements of the Canadian Experience Class, your first step should be to undergo an official English and/or French Language Test, and to have your foreign education evaluated against Canadian standards (Canadian education does not need to be evaluated). Your spouse or common-law partner should also have their education evaluated and language assessed in order to increase your points.
Approved Language Tests:
You can take any of these approved language tests:
English (only the general version is accepted)
French
Approved ECA Organizations:
You must use one of these designated organizations:
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada – pharmacists only
Check Your Eligibility
If you would like to know if you are eligible to apply for immigration to Canada through Express Entry, you may complete our free Online Eligibility Questionnaire.