If you are looking to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class, one of the most important steps in this process is getting the right kind of work experience. The CEC is a popular immigration program under Canada’s Express Entry system. It allows skilled foreign workers to apply for permanent residency based on Canadian work experience. However, you need to demonstrate Canadian work experience and show your ability to contribute to the economy in Canada.
But then what? How do you identify an employer that will support your CEC application? Don’t worry! In the following guide, we will take you through the process of finding the right job, understanding the work experience calculator, and spotting jobs to qualify for the CEC.
Let’s get started!
What Is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) offers a way for foreign workers who have acquired rich experience in Canada to become permanent residents of the country. It falls under the Express Entry system, which is the most efficient way of acquiring permanent residency in Canada. To get the CEC, you must meet certain conditions, such as having at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada in the three years immediately preceding your application. Your work experience must have been in an occupation categorized under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill levels 0, A, or B.
One of the best things about the CEC is that it lets you leverage your Canadian work experience to enhance your application.
But what if you’re just beginning to build that experience? How do you find employers willing to hire and support your CEC application?
First, start with the Work Experience Calculator. Before you even think about applying for work, be sure to check the official Canadian immigration site’s work experience calculator. That will help determine whether your work experience in Canada qualifies you for the CEC.
Work Experience Calculator
The work experience calculator is easy to use. You can add your details from work and the tool will help you evaluate whether those previous positions meet the CEC requirements. In that way, you are going to be able to ensure that such work experience fits into job categories specified by the CEC, NOC 0, A, or B.
If your work experience doesn’t yet qualify under the CEC, do not worry. Find yourself a position that will help you gain what you need in terms of work experience, and when these are amassed, apply for permanent residency.
Find Employers Offering NOC 0, A, or B Category Jobs:
The experience gained should be applicable in exercising the Canadian Experience Class; the NOC categories apply to this case. NOC 0 deals with occupations that involve managerial functions, while NOC A involves professional work based on a university degree. NOC B is technical or a skilled trade.
The moment you begin searching for a job, look at careers falling in these categories. For instance, jobs like software developers, construction supervisors, and nurses are usually categorized under NOC A or B. NOC 0 is a high-level management occupation like a project manager or restaurant manager.
Look for companies that hire these jobs. Once you have some experience in one of them, you are sure to move forward on the eligibility list for the Canadian Experience Class.
Network and Connect with Employers
One of the most effective ways to find an employer who will sponsor your CEC is through networking. Join related industry events, get connected with professionals in your field, and utilize tools such as LinkedIn to attain and network with future employers.
Leverage your networks: Connect with Canadian professionals or organizations within your industry. These contacts may be able to provide insightful and important information about the job market and sometimes can even offer opportunities in which the employer will support a CEC application.
Remember, jobs without experience can sometimes open up opportunities for gaining the Canadian work experience you need. Some employers will give you a chance if you show initiative and demonstrate your skills, regardless of having a long history of experience.
Research employers with good records in CEC Support
Some employers are well aware of the CEC, while others may know very little about the program. Look for companies that have a history of hiring foreign workers and are supportive of immigration applications. Such employers know what to do and may be more likely to guide you in your CEC application.
Look through companies regarded as supporting international talent. Look through immigration forums or groups wherein newcomers share their experiences with different employers.
Showcase Professional Experience Meaning
While trying to secure a job, clearly show your professional experience meaning, showing how it is related to the job you are applying for. Whichever your professional experience comes from whether at home or within Canada, you must display skills matching the Canadian job market.
Employers hire those who can well articulate the value to them. Such may involve indicating the skills you have acquired, the projects you have undertaken, and the impact made in previous roles. If you are unsure how best to represent your work experience in Canada, you may consult a resume expert or immigration consultant to make it stand out.
Be open to entry-level jobs
Not all jobs require many years of experience. You may be looking for a professional role but remember that many entry-level positions can still count toward your Canadian Experience Class work experience requirement. Many companies are willing to hire newcomers, so you will gain on-the-job training needed to build skills while allowing you to qualify for CEC later on.
Don’t dismiss roles that may seem below your qualifications—they may be stepping stones to higher positions and valuable Canadian experience.
Take the Next Step Toward Your CEC Application
This is true, though finding a supportive employer for your Canadian Experience Class application may sometimes be really hard, but it is entirely possible if done the right way. Use the work experience calculator, look at jobs in NOC 0, A, and B, network with people, and find employers who know the process. If you’re not sure what to do, talking to the best immigration consultants in Chennai can help you understand the steps better.
Start your job search today and apply for Canada’s Canadian Experience Class. Whether you are just arriving in Canada or starting a new life in the country, building the appropriate professional experience will be most crucial for you.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for expert guidance with your CEC application and other related concerns, such as the full CEC form in education.
You may contact Croyez Immigration for more information.
FAQs
1. What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
Designed for foreign workers who have acquired experience working in a skilled occupation in Canada, the Canadian Experience Class allows candidates with NOC 0, A, or B work experience to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
3. How would the Work Experience Calculator help when applying for CEC?
Work experience calculator: This is used to check whether previous work experience in Canada is eligible or not to enter the Canadian Experience Class. It evaluates job history and compares it against eligibility criteria from the CEC.
3. I do not have Canadian experience; can I apply for the CEC?
No, you will be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class if you have obtained at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
4. What if I do not have experience in the required NOC categories?
If you do not have experience in a NOC 0, A, or B occupation, you might not be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class. But you can acquire suitable work experience by entering entry-level positions and then applying once you meet all requirements.
5. Can I find jobs without experience to qualify for CEC?
Yes, they can even help one gain the needed experience toward the Canadian Experience Class. Even some of those entry-level jobs can give you relevant skills that count toward the work experience requirement.