Integrated into the Express Entry system, it has gained recognition for its role in facilitating the transition of individuals with Canadian work experience to permanent resident status.
Benefits of CEC
- Increased CRS Points: Candidates with Canadian experience earn additional CRS points, enhancing their chances of obtaining permanent residency.
- Efficient Processing: Successful CEC candidates typically receive permanent resident status within six months, faster than other Express Entry programs.
- No Settlement Funds Required: Unlike other pathways, CEC candidates do not need to demonstrate financial capacity for self-support upon receiving permanent residence.
Eligibility Criteria
- Have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within 36 months in either NOC TEER 0,1,2 or 3. This experience be paid work but unpaid internship or volunteer work is not considered.
- Meet language requirements vary based on the NOC TEER category of the job, with CLB 7 required for TEER 0 or 1, and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3.
- Plan to reside outside Quebec or apply through Quebec Experience Class if intending to reside there.
- Enter Express Entry: Enter the Express Entry pool and, if invited, submit a permanent residence application.
Immigration Process
- Eligibility Check: Verify eligibility for CEC or other Express Entry programs.
- Express Entry Profile: Create and submit a profile on IRCC’s website if eligible.
- Express Entry Draws: IRCC conducts draws inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected, receive an ITA for permanent residence.
- Application Submission: Submit a complete application to IRCC within the specified timeframe.
FAQs
What is the Canadian Experience Class program (CEC)?
The CEC is a Canadian immigration program managed under the Express Entry system, utilizing the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates. It allows individuals with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence.
Who is eligible for the Canadian Experience Class Program?
To be eligible for CEC, an applicant must have at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the previous 3 years and fall under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3. It must be lawfully obtained, paid work, and not obtained during full-time studies in Canada, meet language requirements, intend to live outside Quebec, and satisfy Canada's basic admissibility requirements.
How are Canadian Experience Class CRS points calculated?
Express Entry invites CEC candidates based on CRS scores. Points are calculated using factors such as language proficiency, education, work experience, and additional points for factors like a job offer or provincial nomination.
How is one year of work experience calculated for the CEC?
One year of work experience for the CEC is calculated as:
- 30 hours per week for 12 months, totaling 1,560 hours.
- Alternatively, part-time work equivalent to 1,560 hours can be counted, such as 15 hours per week for 24 months or 30 hours per week for 12 months with multiple jobs.
- The total hours can be accumulated through various part-time positions as long as it adds up to 1,560 hours.
- Working above 30 hours per week is not considered for the calculation.
Does internship experience count towards Canadian Experience Class application?
It depends. If the paid internship is not part of education, it may count towards the Express Entry work experience requirement.
If living in Quebec, can one be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class?
Yes, but the applicant must intend to reside outside of Quebec.
Can part-time work experience during full-time studies be counted toward the requirement?
No, it cannot.
Does Canadian work experience need to be related to the field of study for CEC eligibility?
No, there is no requirement for the Canadian work experience to be related to the field of study, but it must be eligible under the CEC
Can applicants be eligible for CEC if living outside of Canada?
Yes, as long as they meet the CEC's eligibility criteria.
Can work experience from working holiday programs be counted?
Yes, if it meets skill level criteria.
Can I apply under the CEC if I meet the requirements but have returned to my home country?
Yes, you can, but you must apply within one year of leaving your job in Canada. If you left your job more than one year ago, your work experience is not recent and does not meet the requirement.
Can self-employment and student work experience be counted under the CEC?
No, self-employment and work experience obtained during full-time studies are not counted.
How can one improve their Express Entry CRS score for the CEC?
Improvements include maximizing eligible CRS points, having the higher-scoring spouse as the principal applicant, improving language test scores, obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), securing a job offer, or obtaining a provincial nomination.
Can lower-skilled workers apply to stay permanently under the CEC?
No, they cannot. The CEC is only for specific skill levels.
Is there an education requirement for skilled temporary foreign workers under the CEC?
No, there is not.
Can I apply if I plan to live in Quebec?
No, Quebec has its own selection process.
Does work experience gained in Canada while waiting for a decision on a refugee claim make one eligible for PR under the CEC?
No, it does not.
Can I apply under the CEC if I have returned to my home country?
Yes, within one year of leaving your job in Canada.
Does part-time work experience count toward meeting the requirement?
Yes, but it takes longer to accumulate the hours.
Can education with a second language component count?
Yes, if it's less than half of the course load.
Can I still apply if I've submitted an application as a skilled worker?
Yes, but with new fees.
Do educational program requirements count toward the requirement?
No, they do not.
Is proof of funds/settlement funds required for CEC eligibility?
No, there is no requirement for proof of funds under the CEC program.
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