The Canada Experience Class

Individuals who have worked in Canada and wish to settle permanently with their accompanying dependents may qualify for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class.

The Canadian Experience Class program recognizes the benefits to Canada of candidates who have spent significant amounts of time pursuing their studies and careers in the country. 

It recognizes their contributions to the Canadian economy and the creation of strong links to Canadian society.

Requirements for Canadian Experience Class

Eligibility for permanent residence under the CEC is assessed on a pass-fail basis where the primary criteria are the following:

• The candidate has acquired 12 months of full-time work experience in an occupation categorized as TEER categories 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Qualifying occupations are those of a managerial, professional, technical or skilled trade nature.
  • The qualifying Canadian work experience was acquired within the 36 months immediately preceding the date of application;
• The candidate demonstrates sufficient proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages. The level of proficiency required is determined by the occupation in which the candidate gained qualifying Canadian work experience;
• The candidate is not inadmissible to Canada on medical, criminal or security grounds.

Qualifying work experience

Qualifying work experience must be full time and skilled. “Full-time” refers to 30 hours per week. Part-time work will be considered, but only on a pro-rata basis. For example, 6 months in a part-time skilled position at 15 hours per week will count as three months towards the required 12. Multiple concurrent part-time jobs can also be used to meet the experience requirement.

Any work experience acquired in Canada without valid work authorization will not be considered. Nor will periods of self-employment or work experience gained while the candidate was enrolled in a program of full-time study.

Language proficiency

Minimum proficiency must be demonstrated in all four language abilities, namely: Reading; writing; speaking; listening. Applicants whose qualifying work experience is in an occupation categorized as NOC TEER 0 and 1 must meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7. Applicants whose qualifying work experience is in an occupation categorized as NOC TEER 2 and 3 must meet CLB level 5.

Equivalencies between the required level of proficiency in French or English and test results under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) are:

The Canadian Experience Class is an ideal program for individuals who have become familiar with life in Canada and who wish to resettle here. 

For qualified candidates, it is a fast and reliable option for obtaining permanent residence, with objective criteria. 

Moreover, the application can be made from within Canada, while the candidate has appropriate temporary status. In short, it allows a seamless transition from temporary to permanent status in Canada.

*The Canadian Experience Class does not apply to foreigners wishing to establish themselves in the Province of Quebec; however the work experience accumulated in that province is valid to meet the CEC program requirements if the candidate wishes to relocate to another province.