The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of three federal immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system. It is designed for skilled workers who already have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.
CEC is ideal for temporary foreign workers and international students (with post-graduation work permits) who have gained at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
Canadian Skilled Work Experience
To qualify for CEC, your Canadian work experience must:
- Be in one or more NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
- Have been gained while you were authorized to work in Canada under temporary resident status
- Be paid work (wages or commission — volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count)
- Total at least 1 year (1,560 hours) within the 3 years before you apply
- Include performing the duties described in the NOC lead statement and most of the main duties listed
Your experience can span more than one NOC code. If you worked remotely, you must have been physically in Canada working for a Canadian employer.
How to Count Your Work Hours
You can meet the 1,560-hour requirement in different ways:
| Method | Example |
|---|---|
| Full-time, 1 job | 30 hours/week × 12 months = 1,560 hours |
| Part-time | 15 hours/week × 24 months = 1,560 hours |
| Multiple part-time jobs | Combined 30 hours/week × 12 months |
| Full-time, multiple jobs | 30+ hours/week across jobs × 12 months |
Self-Employment & Student Work
Self-employment and work experience gained while a full-time student (including co-op terms) does not count toward the CEC minimum requirements.
Exception for physicians: A temporary public policy (since April 2023) allows foreign national physicians who provided publicly funded medical services in Canada to count this as Canadian work experience, even if self-employed.
Language Requirements
You must take an approved language test in English or French and meet the minimum CLB score:
| NOC TEER Category | Minimum CLB Score |
|---|---|
| TEER 0 or 1 | CLB 7 in all 4 abilities |
| TEER 2 or 3 | CLB 5 in all 4 abilities |
Approved English tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General Approved French tests: TEF Canada, TCF Canada
Education
There is no formal education requirement for CEC. However, having Canadian or foreign education credentials can significantly boost your CRS score:
- Canadian certificates, diplomas, or degrees earn CRS points directly
- Foreign education requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization
Proof of Funds
CEC applicants do not need to show proof of settlement funds, regardless of whether they have a job offer.
Admissibility
You must be admissible to Canada. You may be refused entry for reasons such as:
- Criminal convictions
- Security concerns
- Health conditions
- Financial reasons (inability to support yourself)
- Misrepresentation
Residency Intention
You must plan to live outside Quebec. Quebec has its own skilled worker selection programs. However, work experience gained in Quebec can count toward CEC if you prove you don't intend to settle there.
Step 1: Create an Express Entry Profile
Submit your Express Entry profile online with details about your work experience, language test results, education, and personal information.
Step 2: Receive Your CRS Score
Once your profile is in the Express Entry pool, you'll receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool. If your CRS score is at or above the cut-off for a draw, you'll receive an ITA for permanent residence.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence, including police certificates, medical exam results, proof of work experience, language test results, and passport copies.
CEC applications are typically processed within 6 months from the date a complete application is received.
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Application fee (principal) | $850 |
| Application fee (spouse/partner) | $850 |
| Application fee (dependent child) | $230 per child |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $515 per person |
| Biometrics | $85 per person |
- Start early with language testing — Book your IELTS or CELPIP test well in advance as slots fill quickly
- Gather reference letters — Get detailed letters from Canadian employers confirming your duties, hours, and salary
- Use the NOC tool — Match your job to the correct NOC code; incorrect classification can lead to refusal
- Boost your CRS score — Consider improving language scores, getting an ECA for education, or securing a provincial nomination
- Keep documents current — Language tests are valid for 2 years; ensure they don't expire before you apply
Can I include work experience from before my work permit was issued?
No. Only work experience gained while you were authorized to work under temporary resident status counts.
Does work experience from a co-op program count?
No. Work experience gained as a full-time student, including co-op terms, does not count toward CEC.
What if my CRS score is too low for a draw?
Consider improving your language test scores, obtaining a provincial nomination (+600 CRS points), or gaining additional Canadian work experience.
Can I apply under CEC if I'm currently outside Canada?
Yes, you can apply from outside Canada as long as your work experience meets the requirements and was gained within the last 3 years.
Is there an age limit for CEC?
There is no age limit, but younger applicants (between 20-29) receive more CRS points for the age factor.
