What is Experience Class Canada – Eligibility & How to Apply?

The Canada Experience Class or CEC is suitable for aspirants who have recent work experience in the country and are looking for permanent Canadian immigration as well. CEC is one of the quickest ways to get permanent residency in the country, which requires about 3-4 months for processing. CEC management happens under the system of Express Entry while using the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) for ranking candidates. Applicants with good CRS scores will get invitations for applying to obtain permanent residency in Canada. 

Canadian Experience Class- Eligibility 

Along with Canada express entry, you should know more about the eligibility guidelines. Candidates are required to possess a minimum of 12 months full-time or equivalent part-time work experience (skilled) in Canada. The experience within the earlier three years from the application date are eligible. Therefore, Canada express entry is not a suitable choice for foreign nationals without recent work experience in Canada.

Here are some other Canadian experience class criteria: 

Work experience should be obtained in the country within 36 months before the submission date of the electronic application for permanent residence (eAPR). 

Employment in Canada should be under NOC Code Skill Levels A, B or 0. 

You should have lawfully gained paid employment and work experience in the country. 

Work experience gained while studying full-time will not count in this case. 

You should achieve a CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level of 7 on the approved English or French test for the NOC skill level A/0 jobs. A CLB 5 is needed for NOC B category jobs. 

Applicants should be open to reside outside the Quebec province. 

Canada Experience Class- Necessary Work Experience 

At least one year of skilled experience in the last 3 years in Canada before applying. 

30 hours per week for 12 months at one job or 1,560 hours full-time in a year. 

Equal part-time work, i.e. 15 hours per week for 24 months and 1,560 hours in a year. 

Multiple part-time jobs can be done for fulfilling the guidelines. 

How to apply for Canadian experience class? 

CEC applications require the following steps to be completed: 

Getting the Canadian work permit is the first stage of the process. You should have at least one year of work experience if full-time or more if part-time for being eligible. 

You should then complete the approved language test and create the Canada express entry profile on the IRCC website. You must provide personal information like your age, income, education, language proficiency, work experience in Canada and spouse (if it is applicable). 

You should get the ITA (Invitation to Apply) which enables those submitting profiles to Express Entry for permanent residence applications. If you accept, the processing will be done within 6 months or even less. 

You will be screened for criminal and medical inadmissibility, if any. You will have to show completion of your medical examination with a physician who is recognized by the IRCC. You will also have to furnish a police background check or clearance certificate from every country that you have resided in for a minimum period of 6 months from the age of 18 onwards. The e-application should be submitted within a maximum of 60 days from receiving your ITA. It should have reference letters from earlier employers as well. 

The e-application will be scrutinized by requisite Canadian immigrant officers and you may be asked for additional documents in some cases. In most scenarios, applications are usually processed in less than six months of time. Once you receive this status confirmation, you can apply for the PR card likewise. This may help you prove your Canadian status if you are traveling outside the country.