Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Canadian Experience Class Criteria

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is open to those who either are:

1. A temporary foreign worker with at least 2 years of full-time work experience in Canada in an 0, A or B level occupation;
2. A foreign graduate from a Canadian post-secondary institution with at least 1 year full time work experience in Canada in an 0, A or B occupation

The CEC program is only for those whom are applying to live in a province outside of Quebec. An application must be submitted either while working in Canada or within 1 year of leaving your employment In Canada.

Immigrating to Canada under the Canadian Experience Class

Temporary foreign workers and international graduates who meet certain conditions can apply to become permanent residents of Canada. If you are accepted by Citizenship and Immigration under this immigration program, you will automatically become a permanent resident of Canada. As a permanent resident you will receive access to social services, and can live, work or study freely. Permanent residents can eventually apply for Canadian citizenship once they have fulfilled certain residency requirements.

Rules to qualify for the Canada Experience Class

If you wish to gain permanent residency under this program of immigration, you must fit the following criteria: 

If you are a temporary foreign worker you qualify if:

• You have worked full-time (or equivalent) for at least 2 years in Canada as a skilled worker
• You are able to effectively communicate in either English or French
• You plan to live outside the province of Quebec
• You are applying for this immigration program while currently working in Canada or within 1 year of leaving your Canadian job
• You have obtained your experience with the proper work authorization

If you are foreign graduate you qualify for if: 

• You have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution
• You have worked full-time (or equivalent) for at least 1 year in Canada as a skilled worker
• You are able to communicate effectively in either English or French
• You are applying for the Canadian experience class while currently working in Canada or within 1 year of leaving your Canadian job
• You have obtained your experience with the proper work and study authorization

Canada Experience Class Requirements

Once you have made an application for the Canadian Experience Class, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will notify you by that your application has been accepted. Your application will be returned if you have submitted it incorrectly. Besides showing that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents after arriving in Canada, requirements are based on six factors including: 

• Education
• Ability in English and/or French
• Work experience
• Age of the immigrant
• Whether you have arranged employment in Canada
• Adaptability

If you are considering applying under the Canadian Experience Class, our team can guide you through the process from eligibility assessment to final submission. We can also help you explore complementary pathways, such as Express Entry, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or the Post-Graduation Work Permit if you are an international graduate. For those who may qualify under Quebec programs, you can review the Quebec Skilled Worker option or obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). To get personalized guidance and increase your chances of success, start by filling out our online assessment form.