Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three federal immigration programs managed through Express Entry. It is designed for temporary foreign workers and international student graduates who have obtained skilled work experience in Canada and wish to transition to permanent residence. The CEC recognises that persons with Canadian work experience are well-positioned to integrate into the Canadian economy and society.

To be eligible for the CEC, an applicant generally requires at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the three years preceding the application. The work must be in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. Minimum language proficiency thresholds in English or French must also be met.

CEC candidates create an Express Entry profile and are assessed under the Comprehensive Ranking System alongside Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program candidates. IRCC conducts separate CEC-specific draws in addition to general draws. There is no requirement for an educational credential assessment or a job offer for CEC applicants, though both can increase a candidate's CRS score. International students who complete a qualifying Canadian post-secondary program and subsequently gain the required work experience are a significant source of CEC applicants.