Overview
The IRCC launched the Canadian Experience Class program in 2008, which is targeted at helping international graduates and temporary foreign workers acquire permanent residency. If you are a skilled worker, you can benefit from this largest immigration pathway by applying for the CEC.
What are the benefits of the CEC?
The CEC has various benefits for both international students and foreign workers. Some of them are listed below.
- Connection building: With the CEC, immigrants can create a network with other professionals in their field, thereby making them more successful in their niche. It is easier for a CEC applicant who has previously lived in Canada to explore the benefits of this country’s marketplace than new immigrants.
- Better Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): The CEC gives applicants the chance to get higher scores in the CRS than in other programs, providing a better chance of being a permanent resident faster.
- Quicker permanent residence process: Using the Canadian experience class, candidates have better chances of getting their PR status in six months without glitches.
- Bypass settlement funds criteria: If you are applying for Permanent residency using any other option provided by the Express Entry program, you will have to give settlement funds. But with the CEC, you don’t have to prove to be financially stable.
Eligibility Criteria
The requirements below need to be met before you can be eligible to apply for CEC
- One year of work experience in Canada at least, and it must have been obtained within 36 months before application
- Plans to reside anywhere outside the Quebec province except if you are applying for a Quebec Experience class
- Must have a minimum of the Canadian Language benchmark, which is 5 for NOC B jobs and NOC A or O jobs, and a minimum of CLB 7
The standard hours accepted for the minimum work experience is 1,560 hours, and they could either be gotten through part-time or full-time. If the applicants wish to live in Canada till the application is approved, there is no law against it. Applicants can also submit their application even if they are not in the country provided; they ought to do so before three years of being away from the job. It is essential also to note that you won’t be given CEC based on self-employment or work experience gained while studying. You can be sure of entering the Express Entry pool if you meet all the requirements, as the CEC is based on those criteria.
How does the immigration process work with the CEC
One of the best ways to become a strong candidate for the CEC is to have substantial work experience according to the eligibility criteria. Also, if you also have a trades background, it is an advantage for you to be eligible for the FSWP.
The way it works is relatively straightforward. Firstly, check if you meet the eligibility criteria before applying for the program. When you are sure you are eligible, you can proceed to the IRCC website to submit a profile in the Express Entry system. If your name comes up and you are invited to apply for CEC, you can begin the application process.
Note that you will only qualify for selection if you have a high CRS score based on education, age, work experience, language skills, etc. Also, submission of the CEC application needs to be done within six months; else, the application will be forfeited.
How international students can become eligible for the CEC
It is easier for international students who complete an educational program in Canada to gain permanent residence through the CEC.
To Obtain the permanent residence through this program, the international student needs to follow these steps below:
STEP 1
Graduate and receive a certificate from a Canadian institution
STEP 2
Apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) using the IRCC website
STEP 3
Go ahead to gain work experience of about 1,560 hours under the NOC A, B or O jobs
STEP 4
Obtain a minimum of CLB 7 for an any NOC A and O work experience or a CLB 5 for a NOC B work experience from the designated English or French test
STEP 5
Create a profile in the Express Entry pool and wait for an invitation to apply. If you are invited, proceed to use and make sure you complete the application before six months
How foreign workers can become Eligible for the CEC
If you want to obtain the CEC through the temporary foreign worker pathway, you need a minimum of 12 months of Canadian work experience.
To obtain that, follow these steps:
STEP 1
Obtain a Canadian work permit
STEP 2
Work for a minimum of 1,560 hours in either a NOC A, B or O job to gain the required experience
STEP 3
Write the test required by the IRCC to obtain the minimum Canadian language requirement. You have qualified in the language section if you get at least CLB 7 for any NOC A and O or a CLB 5 for a Noc B work experience
STEP 4
Create a profile in the Express Entry pool. If you get an invitation to apply, start your application and complete it within six months
FAQs
You will be eligible for CEC, provided you plan to live outside Quebec.
No, you don’t need to have similar work experience to be considered eligible for CEC. But the work experience you obtain must meet the criteria expected by CEC.
Yes, you will be eligible, provided you meet other criteria.
You don’t need to have proof of funds to be considered for a CEC, but you still need to obtain an immigration invitation.