The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a category within Canada’s Express Entry immigration system designed for foreign workers who have Canadian work experience and seek permanent residency. This program recognizes the value of the skills and experience gained in Canada and facilitates a smoother transition from temporary to permanent status for those who have already integrated into Canadian society and the labor market.
Key eligibility criteria for the Canadian Experience Class include:
- Work Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, within the last three years before applying. The work must be full-time (or an equivalent amount in part-time) and must be in a job classified as Skill Type 0, or Skill Levels A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Language Proficiency: Applicants need to meet minimum language levels in English or French, depending on the skill level of their job. The required language level is either CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs or CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
- Legal Status in Canada: The applicant must have gained their work experience in Canada with proper authorization (e.g., on a valid work permit).
Application Process:
- Express Entry Profile: Interested candidates must create an Express Entry profile online and enter the pool of candidates.
- Ranking System: They are then ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which scores candidates based on factors including age, education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): If they rank high enough, they may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
The CEC is particularly beneficial for international graduates from Canadian institutions who remain in Canada on post-graduation work permits, as well as other temporary foreign workers, as it offers them a pathway to transition to permanent residence based on their Canadian economic and social integration.