Canadian Experience Class | Pathway For Work Permit to PR


Canadian Experience Class

Last Updated On : April 29 , 2024


If you have Canadian work experience in the previous year with an approved Temporary work permit in Canada, and you wish to settle in Canada permanently through an express entry program, then applying through the Canadian Experience Class can enhance your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC Canada. The CEC program is specifically designed for skilled workers who have previously worked for a Canadian employer.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a pathway to permanent residence for individuals who have already contributed to the Canadian economy through their work experience.

Check Eligibility:

If you have questions like "Will it be counted as Canadian work experience if I was working from home?" or "I worked in Toronto but now have a new job in Alberta, am I still eligible?" and other similar questions, We recommend consulting an RCIC. There are several rules to consider when assessing your Canadian work experience, so it's best to seek professional advice.

However, we have outlined the essential requirements below which will let you know How Canadian Experience is Calculated?.

Eligibility Criteria

Details

Timing of Work Experience

This experience must be obtained within the last three years prior to the application date.

Skilled Work Experience

Candidates must have at least 12 months of full-time or equivalent part-time, skilled work experience.

Full Time/ Part Time

  • Full-time work is defined as 30 hours per week for 12 months, a total of 1,560 hours.
  • Part-time work is defined as 15 hours per week for 24 months.

Job Occupation Category

Define your skills under an NOC code and you perform the duties listed for a particular NOC Code.

Paid/ Unpaid

IRCC would not consider volunteer work or unpaid internships.

Entrepreneur

Self-employment doesn't count toward the minimum requirements for this program. Apply through StartUp Visa or PNP program.

Authorized Work

Work must be performed while you are legally authorized to work in Canada.

Education Requirements:

There are no specific education requirements. However, having a Canadian high school or post-secondary diploma may improve your rank in the Express Entry pool.

If you have overseas education, you can obtain Educational Credential Assessment to receive points for your education under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

It is important to stay updated with the latest information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as policies may change.

Language Requirements:

  • You must take an approved language test in English or French that assesses your abilities in writing, reading, listening and speaking.
  • The language test results must be valid (not older than two years) on the day you apply for permanent residence.
  • For NOC TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs, you must meet a minimum CLB level of 7 in all four language abilities.
  • For NOC TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs, the minimum CLB level is 5.

Gathering Documents To Apply:

After checking whether your work experience matches Canadian standards, you can proceed more confidently to apply for Canadian PR. As the next step, we will guide you through what documents you may need to apply for the CEC program.

These may include:

  1. Civil documents such as birth certificate or marriage certificate;
  2. Identity and travel documents, which may include passports or travel history;
  3. Evidence of Canadian status, if applicable, such as PR card or work permit;
  4. Canadian tax documents to demonstrate financial history in Canada;
  5. Language proficiency evidence, usually through standardized test results;
  6. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for degrees obtained outside Canada;
  7. Academic records, including post-secondary certificates and transcripts;
  8. Reference letters from employers to verify work experience;
  9. Financial proof demonstrating sufficient funds for settlement;
  10. Evidence of a relative in Canada (If applicable);
  11. Police Clearance Certificate from the countries where you have resided;
  12. A Medical Certificate; some applicants already in Canada may be able to use a previous Canadian immigration medical exam.

Steps to Apply For CEC

If you have checked your eligibility, gathered all the required documents, and are now looking to start your immigration process, our experts have defined it in four essential steps.

1. Check Eligibility :

We have already discussed the language requirements, documents, work experience, and other essentials in the above section.

You can also check it through the Canadian government portal.

2. Create An Express Entry Profile:

Register yourself through a GC-Key and sign in through an IRCC secure account. If you encounter any difficulties, you can hire an immigration consultant.

3. Prepare for ITA:

Once your profile is in the express entry pool, you should prepare language documents, such as a police certificate, and update other details that can increase your CRS score.

4. Document Verification:

Once you receive an ITA, you must go through document verification and apply for APR within 60 Days.

What are the Benefits of the CEC Program?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program offers a number of benefits to individuals seeking permanent residence in Canada.

Benefits

Description

Simplified Application Process

CEC has a more simplified application process than other programs.

LMIA Exemption

CEC applicants may be exempted from the requirement to obtain an LMIA.

No Proof of Funds Required

CEC applicants are not required to show proof of settlement funds.

Expedited processing

Applications are often processed within three to four months.

Canadian work experience

Is valued under the CRS, leading to additional points and a greater chance of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Conclusion

Navigating the Canadian Experience Class Express Entry pathway requires strategic planning and adherence to eligibility criteria. With the expertise of Paul Abraham Immigration Consulting, individuals with international Canadian experience can efficiently obtain permanent residence while contributing to Canada's diverse and thriving communities.

FAQ.

The Express Entry system holds regular draws, inviting candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) who meet the required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. To estimate your CRS points specific to CEC, IRCC offers a user-friendly CRS calculator. This online tool helps you assess your eligibility for an invitation by calculating your probable score.

Meeting the fundamental eligibility criteria for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) allows you to apply from any global location. Your physical presence outside Canada does not hinder your application process.
No, CEC candidates who have lived in Canada before are likely to have a better understanding of the daily expenses that come with living in the country. These expenses include travel costs, such as public transportation or vehicle maintenance, and housing costs, like rent or mortgage payments.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) does not rely on the points system, yet entrants into the Express Entry pool are evaluated with CRS scores. It is necessary to maximize CRS marks to increase your chances of selection. From 2021, the CEC draw has ceased, candidates are now selected primarily through the All-Program Draw.
No, CECprogram prioritizes applicants who have recent skilled work experience in Canada, which demonstrates their ability to find employment.
Yes, if you meet the requirements mentioned above in check eligibility section.
No, The province of Quebec selects its own skilled workers through different programs.