Why should I consider immigrating through the Canadian Experience Class?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the most popular paths to permanent residence for temporary foreign workers who have decided to settle permanently in Canada. Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) encourages such individuals to submit applications, since they have already demonstrated that they have in-demand skills and experience, and they have already immersed themselves into a Canadian community.

If you are an eligible foreign worker and you wish to follow this route, your first step is to make an expression of interest and submit an online Express Entry profile. Once you have received an invitation to apply, you can submit your application for permanent residence. CEC applications are processed through the express entry stream.

International graduates of Canadian colleges and universities often qualify for post-graduation work permits, which are valid for up to three years. During this time, graduates are able to gain the work experience needed to qualify for the CEC program.

What are the eligibility requirements for CEC?

You may qualify to apply for immigration through the CEC program if you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• • You have gained at least one year of experience in Canada in a skilled, professional or technical position during the last three years
  • You earned your experience during a period of full-time employment – self-employment, volunteer work and co-op placements do not count
  • You have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CBL) score of at least 5 or 7, depending on the job
  • You intend to settle in a Canadian province or territory other than Quebec (if you want to live and work in Quebec, you might be able to apply to the Quebec Experience Class)
  • You are either physically present in Canada, or you left Canada no more than three years prior to submitting your application