Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the most popular immigration programs in the country, allowing individuals who have acquired skilled work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residency. The CEC is also part of Express Entry, a system that manages applications for three different federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the CEC.
What is CEC?
The CEC is designated for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have acquired at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. The program realizes that persons with Canadian work experience are already accustomed to the labor market and culture in Canada and, as such, are valued members of Canadian society.
Eligibility Criteria for the CEC
To be eligible under CEC, the candidates must meet the following criteria :
- Work Experience :
- Language :
- Residency and Work Authorization :
- Intent to Reside Outside Quebec :
The applicant must have obtained at least 12 months of continuous skilled work experience in the past three years while in Canada. Skilled work experience must fall within one or all of the NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
The experience can be either continuous full-time or an equivalent amount in part-time work.
Proof of at least a minimum of Language requirements - Either English or French:
CLB 7 in the case of the jobs TEER 0 and TEER 1.
CLB 5 for a job included under TEER 2 or TEER 3.
n addition to it, proficiency needs to be supported by approved tests. These can include IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, and/or TCF tests.
The work experience must have been acquired while on valid work authorization in Canada. Unauthorized work does not count towards eligibility.
The CEC is a federal program and does not apply to those who plan on settling in Quebec. If you intend on living in Quebec, you have to apply through the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
How to Apply for the CEC
- Check Eligibility :
- Create an Express Entry Profile :
- Get an Invitation to Apply :
- Application Submission :
- Wait for the Processing :
Make sure that you fulfill all the eligibility mentioned above.
Eligible candidates need to fill out an online profile in the Express Entry pool. The profile will be assessed based on the Comprehensive Ranking System, which allocates points for different factors.
Candidates with a competitive CRS score will be issued ITAs in periodic draws conducted by IRCC.
The applicant, after getting an ITA, must apply for PR with a completed application with all documents and charges that apply.
The average CEC application will take approximately six months from its submission date
How Ardent Immigration Helps
Ardent Immigration supports the clients in each step of the CEC application process for smoother processing.
Services Offered
Personalized Assessments : study in detail the qualifications and CEC eligibility of each of our clients.
Guidance on Documentation : Our team guides each client through collecting and preparing the documents required for the process, including but not limited to language test results and work experience proof.
Profile Creation and Management : We assist in creating your Express Entry profiles and optimize the same to help enhance your respective CRS score.
Application Submission Support :We help with filling out and submitting the applications correctly, and in the quickest time.
Ongoing Communication : Provide timely communications regarding the application status, along with changes to immigration policy affecting your case.
Common Questions About the CEC
- Who is eligible to apply for the Canadian Experience Class ?
- How does the Comprehensive Ranking System apply to CEC ?
- What is the processing time for the application ?
- Do I need a job offer to apply for the CEC ?
- Can I include my family in my CEC application ?
The applicants must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, a minimum language proficiency, suitable educational qualifications if applicable, and financial stability if currently not working.
The CRS selects candidates based on their age, education, work experience, and proficiency in languages. Additional points may be granted for a valid job offer and provincial nomination.
In general, if a candidate receives an ITA, then the processing time usually takes six months for permanent residency under CEC, though this might vary upon different cases.
No, it is not required; however, having a job offer may very well dramatically improve your CRS score and chances of receiving an ITA.
Yes, applicants can include a spouse/common-law partner and dependent children in the application. Their credentials can also contribute to your Comprehensive Ranking System score.
FAQs on CEC
- Who can apply under the Canadian Experience Class ?
- How does the Comprehensive Ranking System apply under CEC ?
- How long does the whole process usually take ?
- Do I need a job offer to apply for CEC ?
- Will I be able to include family in my application for CEC ?
An applicant must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, meet the language proficiency requirements, have suitable educational qualifications if applicable, and show financial stability if not currently working.
The CRS chooses the candidates based on their age, qualification, experience, and language. Additional points might be issued when a valid offer of employment is extended or based on provincial nominations.
Applications for permanent residency under the CEC are typically processed in six months if an ITA is issued, although it may differ under different situations.
No, a job offer is not required; however, it is an important factor to enhance the CRS score considerably and thus will stand a better chance of receiving ITA.
Yes, candidates can include a spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in their application. Their qualifications may also contribute to increasing your CRS score.