PR made simple: Applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program

Not all newcomers to Canada arrive as permanent residents. While Canada’s immigration policies are widely regarded as welcoming, the competition for permanent residence (PR) programs remains fierce, leaving many skilled candidates without an immediate pathway to PR.

For those who do not currently meet the requirements for PR, an alternative route is to apply for a work permit or study permit. Gaining Canadian work experience through these permits can make you eligible for PR later via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the CEC program, covering its purpose, eligibility criteria, application process, and how it serves as a pathway to PR.

Understanding the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is one of three economic immigration streams offered through Canada’s federal Express Entry system. Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) streams, the CEC program is uniquely tailored for individuals with Canadian work experience.

Many skilled professionals and students who come to Canada on work permits or post-graduation work permits use the CEC program to transition to PR. This initiative aims to retain talented individuals who have already started adapting to life in Canada, encouraging them to make the country their permanent home.

Eligibility requirements for the CEC program

To immigrate through the Canadian Experience Class program, applicants must meet specific eligibility standards. These include minimum work experience and language proficiency requirements. Additionally, applicants must satisfy general admissibility criteria, which encompass security clearances, background verification, and medical examinations.

Work experience requirements for the CEC program

To qualify for the CEC program, you need at least one year (1,560 hours) of paid, skilled work experience in Canada obtained within the last three years. This work experience can be accumulated through:

• Full-time employment at one or more jobs, or
• An equivalent number of hours through part-time employment across multiple positions.

It’s important to note that certain types of work are excluded from eligibility, including:

• Part-time employment undertaken as a student
• Self-employment,
• Unpaid work such as volunteering or internships.

Additionally, you must have gained this work experience while holding temporary resident status with valid authorization to work in Canada. Eligible work experience must fall under managerial, professional, or technical/skilled trade roles, classified as NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 (formerly skill types 0, A, or B).

Language skills required for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program

Your required minimum language proficiency for the Canadian Experience Class program is determined by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) code associated with your Canadian work experience.

• If your work experience falls under NOC TEER 0 or TEER 1 (previously skill type 0 or skill level A), you must achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7.
• For roles classified as NOC TEER 2 or TEER 3 (previously skill level B), a minimum CLB level of 5 is required.

To meet this requirement, you need to take a language test approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For English, you can choose between the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). For French, you may opt for the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF Canada) or the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF Canada).

Your test results must be less than two years old and valid at the time of your permanent residence application.

Education requirements for the CEC program

The Canadian Experience Class program does not have a mandatory education requirement. However, having educational credentials can positively impact your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, enhancing your chances of qualifying for permanent residence.

You can gain CRS points for education in the following cases:

1. Canadian education: If you have completed high school or post-secondary education in Canada, you are eligible for additional CRS points.
2. Foreign education: If you completed your high school or post-secondary education outside Canada, you can still earn CRS points by having your educational credentials assessed. This is done through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), which verifies that your foreign certificate, diploma, or degree is valid and equivalent to a Canadian one.

Who is best suited for the CEC program?

The Canadian Experience Class program is ideal for individuals who have gained Canadian work experience or are currently in Canada on a temporary resident status. This program caters to those who have adjusted to the Canadian work culture and environment, making it an excellent fit for:

• Temporary residents with valid work permits,
• International graduates holding a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and
• Individuals who have recently worked in Canada and are seeking a pathway to permanent residence.

If you’re unable to meet the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoffs for the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades Program, the CEC can serve as a strategic alternative. One option is to first secure a work or study permit to enter Canada temporarily, gain valuable work experience, and then apply for PR through the CEC program.

While obtaining a study permit is generally more accessible than a work permit, it’s important to note that work experience gained during your studies does not count toward your CEC eligibility. However, you can become eligible by obtaining a PGWP after completing your education in Canada.

How to apply for PR under the CEC program

Step 1: Gain at least one year of Canadian work experience

Before applying for PR through Express Entry under the CEC program, you must accumulate at least one year of paid, skilled Canadian work experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (previously skill type 0 or skill level A or B) role.

To achieve this, you can:

1. Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer while abroad: With an offer, you may be eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit.
2. Apply for an open work permit: If eligible, this option provides greater flexibility in choosing your employer.

When searching for jobs, it’s essential to prepare a strong, Canadian-style resume tailored to each job application. Since many positions in Canada are filled through networking rather than job boards, building a robust professional network can significantly improve your chances. Check out our career and networking guides for tips tailored to newcomers in Canada. While finding employment in Canada from your home country is possible, it’s often challenging due to the competitive nature of the job market. Many newcomers opt to study in Canada first, as this can pave the way for a PGWP, enabling them to gain work experience and qualify for the CEC program later.

Step 2: Estimate your CRS score

Before proceeding with your Express Entry profile, it’s helpful to calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score using the official CRS score calculator on the Government of Canada’s website. While not mandatory, this step provides a clearer picture of your chances for permanent residency (PR). By comparing your estimated score with recent draw cutoffs, you can determine the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Step 3: Prepare your essential documents

Before creating your Express Entry profile, gather all the necessary documents and information to streamline the process. Commonly required documents include:

• A valid passport or travel document,
• Results from an approved language test,
• Proof of Canadian work experience,
• An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report if your education was completed outside Canada, or proof of Canadian educational credentials.

Step 4: Create and submit your Express Entry profile

After organizing your paperwork, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to create an account and fill out your Express Entry profile. Be prepared to pay the application processing fee online using a debit or credit card before submitting your profile.

Step 5: Receive an ITA and apply for permanent residence

Once your Express Entry profile is submitted, it will remain in the candidate pool for up to one year or until you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). If you’re issued an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to respond and submit your application for PR.

At this stage, you will need to upload supporting documents, including:

• A valid passport or travel document
• Language test results
• ECA report (if applicable)
• Employment reference letters
• Proof of a valid work permit

Depending on your circumstances, additional documents may be required, such as:

• Police clearance certificates
• Results of a medical examination
• Marriage or birth certificates
• A “Use of a Representative” form if you’re working with an immigration consultant

Proof of settlement funds for CEC applicants

When applying for PR through the Canadian Experience Class program, you are not required to provide proof of settlement funds. This requirement is unique to other Express Entry streams like the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). However, the proof of funds condition is waived for all Express Entry candidates who have a valid Canadian job offer and are authorized to work in Canada.

Processing time for PR applications under the CEC program

As per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the estimated processing time for permanent residence (PR) applications through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is approximately nine months. This timeframe begins from the moment you respond to your Invitation to Apply (ITA) and includes the time required for submitting biometrics.

However, this estimate does not account for the time spent preparing and submitting your Express Entry profile or the duration your profile remains in the Express Entry pool before receiving an ITA. Additionally, processing times can vary depending on several factors, such as:

• The volume of applications in the system,
• Whether your application is complete and error-free,
• The ease of verifying the information you provide, and more.

PR application fees for the Canadian Experience Class program

Applying for permanent residence under the CEC program involves several fees:

1. Processing fee: $950 CAD per adult applicant,
2. Right of Permanent Residence fee: $575 CAD per adult applicant,
3. Dependent child fee: $260 CAD for each child included in the application.

For most CEC applicants, biometrics have already been submitted during a previous application for a work or study permit. If new biometrics are required, the fee is:

• $85 CAD for an individual, or
• $170 CAD for a family.

Canadian Experience Class program is an excellent option for skilled workers who have gained valuable experience in Canada and are looking to make the country their permanent home. By meeting the key eligibility criteria, including work experience, language proficiency, and educational qualifications, applicants can enhance their chances of a successful permanent residency application.

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