Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a popular immigration program under Canada’s Express Entry system. This program is designed for individuals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada and wish to obtain permanent residency. Known for its streamlined process, the CEC is one of Canada’s fastest routes to permanent residence, often taking less than four months.
What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
The Canadian Experience Class is one of the three programs managed through the Express Entry system, alongside the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Introduced to facilitate the transition from temporary to permanent residence for skilled workers, the CEC helps Canada retain talented individuals who have already adapted to the Canadian labour market and society.
Eligibility Criteria
- Past Canadian work experience must fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B.
- Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for NOC Skill Level 0 or A jobs; CLB 5 for NOC Skill Level B jobs.
- At least 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the last 3 years.
- Work experience must be legally obtained in Canada.
- Self-employment and work experience gained while studying full-time do not count.
- No educational requirements.
- Must be admissible to Canada.
- Plan to live outside the Province of Quebec.
How to Apply for CEC Program
Applying for the Canadian Experience Class involves several steps that ensure the eligibility and preparedness of the applicant.
Application Process
First, create an Express Entry profile online and ensure all details about your work experience, language proficiency, and other credentials are accurate. Once your profile is in the Express Entry pool, you will be ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). High-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Documents Required
- Proof of work experience
- Language test results
- Proof of legal work status
- Police certificates
- Medical examination results
- Passport or travel documents
Costs Associated
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD)* |
| Processing Fee | $825 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $500 |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 per person |
*Costs can vary depending on the factors involved.
Processing Time
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is known for its efficient processing time. Typically, it takes less than four months from the submission of a complete application to the final decision, making it one of the quickest routes to permanent residency.
| Processing Stage | Estimated Time | Details |
| Application Submission | Varies | Time taken to gather and submit all necessary documents. |
| Initial Review | 1-2 months | Initial assessment by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). |
| Medical and Security Checks | 3-6 months | Includes background checks and medical examinations. |
| Decision Making | 6-12 months | Final review and decision on the application by IRCC. |
| Total Estimated Processing Time | 6-12 months | Overall time from submission to final decision. |
Benefits of Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- No need to show proof of funds.
- Faster processing times.
- Additional CRS points for Canadian work experience.
- Simplified application process with fewer required documents.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date.
- Gain more work experience to improve your CRS score.
- Prepare thoroughly for the language proficiency test.
- Keep track of all deadlines and submit documents promptly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete or inaccurate application forms.
- Missing deadlines for document submission.
- Failing to meet language proficiency requirements.
- Overlooking the need for police certificates or medical exams.
Key Differences Between CEC and Other Programs
While the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) cater to skilled workers outside Canada or in specific trades, the CEC specifically targets individuals with Canadian work experience. Unlike FSWP and FSTP, CEC applicants are not required to show proof of funds, and the process is generally faster due to the streamlined documentation and requirements. This focus on Canadian experience and quicker processing makes the CEC an attractive option for those who have already integrated into the Canadian workforce.
Canadian Experience Class is one of the three programs under Express Entry to apply permanent Residence for applicants who have Canadian Work Experience. It is even one of the fastest processes to get a Permanent Residence, taking less than 4 months to complete the entire process.
In recent times, many applicants are getting a permanent residence with Canadian Study and Work experience. More Temporary Residents are also getting permanent residence under the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) and the introduction of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in 2019.
Who Qualifies Under CEC
- The applicant’s past Canadian Work Experience should fall Under National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level O, Level A, or Level B.
- The applicant must have a minimum of a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for NOC Skill Level O or A jobs and CLB 5 for NOC Skill Level B Jobs.
- Should have at least 1 year of full-time work experience or an equal amount of part-time Skilled work experience in the past 3 years.
- Applicant should gain Canadian work Experience legally.
- Self Employment and the Experience gained while the applicant was a full-time student does not count towards the minimum requirements.
- There are no educational requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades program.
- Applicant should be admissible to Canada
- The applicant must have a plan to live outside the Province of Quebec.
Advantages of Canadian Experience Class
- Basic Eligibility to Qualify under Canadian Experience Class is to have at least 12 months of Canadian Work Experience, This will improve the CRS Score by giving additional points in Canadian Work Experience in Section A and also in Section C Skilled transferability.
- Don’t need to show Proof of fund to process Permanent Residence under Express Entry Canadian Experience Class
- Canadian Experienced Class Application Processed faster comparing other two programs since the required documents are minimal.
Talk to our Experts
Croyez Immigration is providing efficacious immigration services to fulfill the dreams of aspiring clients who wish to immigrate to a new country, we sincerely work to give you the best life you deserve. We are experts in processing almost all the categories of Canadian Immigration programs like Express Entry, General Skilled Migration, and other temporary visas. Canada, being the land of opportunities always heads up to welcome the potential immigrants and so we help you explore all the possibilities to change your life, Contact the expert consultants of Croyez Immigration for prompt assistance.
