Are you a skilled worker dreaming of becoming a permanent resident in Canada? The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program could be your pathway to achieving that dream.
Managed under Canada’s Express Entry system, CEC is designed for individuals with Canadian work experience who wish to transition to permanent residency.
This article will guide you through the key information and requirements of the CEC program.
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What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program?
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program was introduced in 2008 to offer a dedicated skilled worker pathway for temporary foreign workers and international graduates seeking permanent residence in Canada. It has since become one of the largest and most successful immigration pathways in Canada.
Benefits of the CEC Program
The Canadian Experience Class program comes with several advantages for skilled workers looking to settle in Canada:
- Fast Processing: The CEC program often processes applications within three to four months.
- No Proof of Funds Requirement: Unlike other programs, CEC doesn’t require proof of funds for settlement.
- Additional CRS Points: Having Canadian work experience can boost your CRS points, improving your chances of getting permanent residency.
- Better Job Opportunities: Research shows that candidates with prior Canadian work experience have a significant advantage in integrating into the Canadian job market, leading to better employment opportunities and success in the labor market.
Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
To be eligible for the CEC program, you must meet the following requirements:
Canadian Work Experience
You should have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the three years prior to your application. This can be achieved through:
- Full-time work at a single job: 30 hours per week for 12 months
- An equal amount of part-time work: e.g., 15 hours per week for 24 months
- Full-time work at more than one job: 30 hours per week for 12 months
How Work Experience is Calculated
Your skilled work experience in Canada should be paid work, including paid wages or earned commission. Volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count towards the required work experience hours. Here’s how it’s calculated:
- Full-time at 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full-time (1,560 hours)
- Part-time: Work more or less than 15 hours/week as long as it adds up to 1,560 hours.
- Part-time at more than 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months at multiple jobs = 1 year full-time (1,560 hours)
Language Proficiency
Applicants must meet the minimum language level of:
- Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs
- Canadian Language Benchmark 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs
You’ll need to take approved language tests for writing, reading, listening, and speaking, and these test results must be described in your Express Entry profile.
These language tests are valid for two years and must still be valid on the day you apply for permanent residency.
Education Requirements
There is no formal education requirement for the Canadian Experience Class. However, to improve your rank in the Express Entry pool, you can earn points for:
- Certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution
- A completed foreign credential, accompanied by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for immigration purposes, showing that your education is equivalent to a completed certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution
Reside Outside Quebec
Plan to live and work outside the province of Quebec.
Admissibility
Meet Canada’s basic admissibility requirements, as certain criminal offenses and medical conditions may make an individual inadmissible to Canada.
Ineligible Applicants for CEC
You are not eligible for the Canadian Experience Class if:
- You are a refugee claimant in Canada.
- You are working without authorization.
- Your work experience was gained without temporary resident status in Canada.
How to Apply for the CEC Program
Applying for the CEC program involves the following steps:
- Submit an Express Entry Profile: Create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website, and include your relevant work experience, language proficiency, education, and other details.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your profile meets the eligibility criteria and you have a competitive CRS score, you may receive an ITA to apply for permanent residence.
- Submit Permanent Residence Application: Once you receive an ITA, submit a complete application for permanent residence to IRCC within the specified deadline.
- Processing Time: IRCC aims to process CEC applications within six months.
Eligibility for International Students and Temporary Foreign Workers
International students and temporary foreign workers can also be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class program by following these steps:
For International Students:
- Complete an educational program at a Canadian designated learning institution.
- Obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Acquire at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 job.
- Meet the language proficiency requirements (CLB 7 for NOC 0 and 1, CLB 5 for NOC 2 and 3).
- Enter the Express Entry pool and submit an application upon receiving an ITA.
For Temporary Foreign Workers:
- Obtain a Canadian work permit.
- Accumulate at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 job.
- Meet the language proficiency requirements (CLB 7 for NOC 0 and 1, CLB 5 for NOC 2 and 3).
- Enter the Express Entry pool and submit an application upon receiving an ITA.
Calculating CRS Points for CEC
Canadian Experience Class candidates are selected based on their CRS scores. To calculate your CRS points for CEC, use the CRS calculator tool provided by Express Entry.
Applying to CEC from Outside of Canada
Yes, you can apply for the Canadian Experience Class program from anywhere in the world, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
Proof of Funds Not Required
Unlike some other immigration programs, CEC applicants are not required to provide proof of funds. No documentation regarding your finances is needed.
Internship Experience and CEC Application
If your paid internship is not part of your education, you may count it towards meeting the work experience requirement for Express Entry.
Disruption in CEC Express Entry Draws
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) specific Express Entry draws have not been conducted since September 14, 2021.
This has caused frustration and uncertainty among potential candidates, especially international students and work permit holders.
Effects on Candidates
Candidates with Canadian education and work experience are feeling disadvantaged. These individuals were previously considered in regular CEC Express Entry draws.
They now find themselves competing in a more limited pool of 82 occupations.
Calls for Change
Advocates are calling for the Immigration Minister to create long-term plans for international students and foreign workers seeking permanent residency in Canada.
The current state of affairs has led to an increase in the use of LMIAs (Labour Market Impact Assessments) to boost CRS scores.
Uncertainty About Future Draws
As of now, there is no information available about when the next CEC Express Entry draw will occur.
Conclusion
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program offers skilled workers and international graduates a direct path to permanent residency in Canada.
With its fast processing times, no proof of funds requirement, and additional CRS points for Canadian work experience, the CEC program is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to make Canada their new home.
Whether you are an international student or a temporary foreign worker, the CEC could be your ticket to a bright and prosperous future in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does my work experience need to match my field of study for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
No, your work experience does not have to be related to your field of study. It just needs to meet the CEC’s eligibility criteria.
Q. Can I apply for the Canadian Experience Class if I’m currently living outside of Canada?
Yes, you can apply from outside Canada as long as you have the required Canadian work experience and meet the CEC’s eligibility criteria.
Q. Does self-employment or student work experience count towards the CEC?
No, self-employment and student work experience like internships or co-op terms do not count towards the CEC’s work experience requirement.
Q. How can I boost my Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score?
You can improve your CRS score by maximizing points in areas like language proficiency, education, and securing a job offer or provincial nomination.
Q. Am I allowed to switch employers if I’m working under a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
Yes, the PGWP allows you to work for any employer in Canada, so you’re free to switch employers.
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