(CEC): A Pathway to Permanent Residency in Canada

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a prominent immigration program designed for skilled workers who have gained valuable work experience in Canada and are seeking to become permanent residents. This program is one of the three federal programs managed through Express Entry, an efficient online application system for skilled workers.

Key Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Experience Class

1. Canadian Skilled Work Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the three years before the application. This experience should be in jobs listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 and must be paid work. Volunteer work or unpaid internships do not qualify.
2. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French is mandatory. Applicants must take approved language tests in writing, reading, listening, and speaking, and meet the minimum score requirements.
3. Education: There is no specific educational requirement for the CEC. However, points in the Express Entry system can be gained for Canadian educational credentials or foreign education (with an Educational Credential Assessment).
4. Admissibility: Applicants must be legally admissible to Canada.
5. Residence Outside Quebec: Applicants must intend to reside outside the province of Quebec.

Exclusions and Special Considerations

• Ineligible Applicants: Those who are refugee claimants in Canada, working without authorization, or gained work experience without temporary resident status in Canada.
• Exemption for Self-Employment and Student Work: Self-employment and work experience gained as a full-time student (including co-op terms) do not count towards CEC eligibility.
• Special Policy for Physicians: A temporary public policy counts certain work experiences of foreign national physicians as Canadian work experience.

The Application Process

1. Express Entry Profile: Create a profile in the Express Entry system and fill in details about work experience, language proficiency, education, and plans for residency in Canada.
2. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: Candidates are ranked in the Express Entry pool based on their CRS score, which includes factors like skilled work experience, language ability, and education.
3. Invitation to Apply: High-ranking candidates in the pool are invited to apply for permanent residency.

Living in Canada

Candidates must plan to live outside Quebec, as the province has its own skilled worker selection program. However, the intended province of residence can be changed after arriving in Canada.