Express Entry

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

What is Canadian Experience Class?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the fastest way to get permanent residence (PR) in Canada if you've already worked here. It's perfect for international students and temporary workers who want to make Canada their permanent home.

Why CEC is Great:
  • Fast processing — get PR in 3–6 months!
  • No settlement funds needed
  • Extra CRS points for Canadian experience
  • You already know life and work in Canada

Who Can Apply?

International Students

  • Graduated from a Canadian college or university
  • Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • Worked in Canada for 1 year

Temporary Workers

  • Hold a valid work permit
  • Worked in Canada for 1 year
  • Job was in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3

Requirements (Simple Checklist)

1. Work Experience in Canada

  • At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of skilled work within last 3 years

Count hours through full-time or part-time jobs:

  • 30 hrs/week × 12 months = 1,560 hrs
  • 15 hrs/week × 24 months = 1,560 hrs
What DOESN’T count:
  • Work while studying full-time
  • Self-employed work
  • Unauthorized work

2. Skilled Job (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)

  • TEER 0 — Managers
  • TEER 1 — Professionals
  • TEER 2 — Technical jobs
  • TEER 3 — Skilled trades

Check your job using NOC Finder Tool.

3. Language Test

  • TEER 0 & 1 jobs: CLB 7 in all skills
  • TEER 2 & 3 jobs: CLB 5 in all skills
  • Accepted tests: IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF
  • Test results must be < 2 years old

4. Plan to Live Outside Quebec

You must plan to live in any province or territory other than Quebec.

What You DON’T Need

  • No settlement funds required
  • No job offer needed
  • No ECA unless you want CRS points
  • No minimum education

How to Apply (5 Simple Steps)

1. Take Language Test

Book IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF and meet CLB level.

2. Create Express Entry Profile

Enter your work, education, and language details on IRCC website.

3. Get CRS Score

Your CRS score decides your invitation chances.

4. Wait for Invitation (ITA)

IRCC holds draws every 2 weeks. High-scoring profiles get invited.

5. Submit Full Application

After ITA, submit documents within 60 days. PR in 3–6 months!

Documents You’ll Need

Identity

  • Passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Police certificates

Work Experience

  • Employer reference letters
  • Pay stubs & T4s
  • Job contracts

Language Proof

  • IELTS or CELPIP
  • TEF or TCF (French)

Education (Optional)

  • Degrees/diplomas
  • Transcripts
  • ECA (if applicable)

Processing Time & Fees

Processing Time

3–6 months after complete application.

Application Fee

$1,365 CAD ($825 processing + $540 PR fee)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for CEC if I’m outside Canada?

Yes. As long as you have the required Canadian skilled work experience within the last 3 years, you can apply from anywhere in the world.

Do I need a job offer to apply for CEC?

No, a job offer is not required. However, having one can give you extra CRS points under Express Entry.

Can I count part-time work toward my 1-year experience?

Yes. You can combine multiple part-time jobs to reach the required 1,560 hours, but only a maximum of 30 hours per week counts.

Does co-op or internship work count for CEC?

No. Work done while you were a full-time student, including co-op or internship placements, does not count toward the experience requirement.

Can I apply under CEC if I worked remotely for a Canadian company?

Yes, but only if you were physically in Canada and authorized to work for that Canadian employer.

Ready to Start Your CEC Application?

Let Sea bird Canada Immigration to Start Your CEC Application?

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