Express Entry- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Express Entry is the system used by the Government of Canada to manage immigration applications for skilled workers who wish to become permanent residents. It is a point-based, competitive selection process designed to prioritize candidates who are most likely to succeed in Canada’s economy.
There are three federal immigration programs managed through Express Entry:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – for individuals with skilled Canadian work experience
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – for skilled workers with foreign work experience
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – for qualified tradespeople with experience in specific occupations
How Express Entry Works
As an applicant, you must first create an online profile and submit your information to the Express Entry pool. The Government of Canada will then rank candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other criteria using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Candidates with the highest scores are issued Invitations to Apply (ITA) during regular rounds of invitation.
If you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by IRCC, and a final decision will be made based on your eligibility and supporting documents
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a federal immigration program in Canada that allows individuals who have obtained skilled work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residency. The program is designed to attract foreign workers who have adapted well to Canadian society and have gained valuable Canadian work experience.
To be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, applicants must meet certain requirements. These requirements are as follows:
Minimum Program requirements:
- Work Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of skilled work experience (or equal amount in part-time work) in Canada within the past three years. The work experience should be in a skilled occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking an approved language test (such as the IELTS or CELPIP for English).
Applicants meet the minimum language level of:
- Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs or
- Canadian Language Benchmark 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs
Other Requirements:
- Education: While there is no specific education requirement for the Canadian Experience Class, having post-secondary education may increase an applicant’s chances of being selected.
- Intention to Reside Outside of Quebec: The CEC is applicable for all provinces and territories in Canada, except Quebec. If you plan to reside in Quebec, you will need to apply through the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
- Medical and Security Checks: Like all immigration programs, applicants must undergo medical examinations and security checks to ensure they meet the health and security requirements.
Applicants under the Canadian Experience Class are assessed based on a points system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS evaluates factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. The highest-ranking applicants are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular draws from the Express Entry pool.
The Canadian Experience Class is one of the three economic immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system, alongside the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS):
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used by the Express Entry system to rank candidates who are applying for permanent residence under programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
The CRS score is based on factors such as:
- Core Human Capital Factors (age, education, language proficiency, work experience)
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors (if applicable)
- Skills Transferability (education and work experience combinations)
- Additional Factors (such as a job offer, provincial nomination, or sibling in Canada)
CRS Calculation Breakdown:
- Core Human Capital Factors (Max 500 points for single applicants, 460 points for couples)
- Age: Maximum 110 points for individuals aged 20-29.
- Education: Maximum 150 points (for Canadian education credentials).
- Language Proficiency: Maximum 136 points (for each of the four language abilities in English and French).
- Work Experience: Maximum 80 points (for Canadian and foreign work experience).
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors (Max 40 points)
- If applicable, a spouse’s language skills, education, and work experience can contribute to the score.
- Skills Transferability (Max 100 points)
- Education and work experience combinations can increase your score.
- Additional Factors (Max 600 points)
- Provincial Nomination: 600 points.
- Sibling in Canada: 15 points.
- French language proficiency: Additional 25 to 50 points for strong French skills.
Post Secondary Education in Canada: 15-30 Points depends upon the length of study
Online CRS Calculator:
To calculate your CRS score, you can use the official CRS Calculator on the IRCC website by clicking the following link:
Calculate your express entry points
This tool helps you determine your CRS score based on your personal information, language skills, education, work experience, and other factors.
Key Points:
- Under this program, self-employment and work experience gained while being a full-time student, such as a co-op work term, do not qualify.
- Applicants can work as many part-time jobs as they need to meet this requirement but any hours above 30 hours/week can not be counted.
- Applicants have the option to remain in Canada during the application process. However, individuals who are no longer in Canada can still apply for the Canadian Experience Class as long as they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada.
- The requirements for the Canadian Experience Class are evaluated based on a pass or fail model.
- Meeting the minimum requirements makes the applicant eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, without necessarily needing to achieve a minimum score of 67 points based on the selection factors established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you may still be eligible to apply under the Canadian Experience Class, even if you are no longer in Canada. To qualify, you must have gained at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before submitting your application. This experience must have been obtained while working legally in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
No, there is no specific points requirement to be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class itself. However, the program is managed through the Express Entry system, where eligible candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). To receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence, you must have a competitive CRS score, as determined by regular draws from the pool.
No, Under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), there are no specific education requirements. However, you can earn additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points through the Express Entry system. If you have studied in an eligible Canadian program, you are eligible for CRS points. Additionally, if you have completed a qualifying program outside of Canada, you can obtain CRS points by obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to validate your foreign education.
If your internship was paid and was not a part of your education, then you may count it towards work experience requirement.
Yes, but the second language component must account for less than half of the course load.
Yes, work experience gained in Quebec can be counted for the Canadian Experience Class, but only if you plan to live outside of Quebec. Quebec has its own immigration system, and individuals wishing to live in Quebec must apply through Quebec’s own immigration programs, such as the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
No, you do not need to provide proof of funds for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) if you are invited to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. This requirement is waived for CEC applicants, unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). However, it’s important to stay updated, as immigration policies and requirements may change. For the most current information, visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consult with a qualified immigration professional.
If you want to apply under CEC or want to check your eligibility, we can help! Contact us to discuss your options!