Canadian Experience Class
Overview
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the Express Entry stream for foreign nationals who have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in the 3 years before applying. The CEC is the primary pathway for international graduates who work in Canada on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and for temporary foreign workers in skilled occupations. There is no educational requirement and no points grid — eligibility is based on qualifying Canadian work experience and language proficiency.
The CEC is consistently the fastest Express Entry stream because candidates with Canadian experience accumulate CRS points quickly (Canadian work experience adds up to 80 points) and draw scores are typically lower than for FSW candidates without Canadian experience. CEC applicants do not need proof of settlement funds — the rationale being that they already have demonstrated the ability to support themselves in Canada.
Eligibility
Minimum requirements
- Canadian work experience: at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of skilled work experience in Canada in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation within the 3 years before applying; the experience must have been obtained with proper authorisation (a valid work permit or as a Canadian citizen or PR)
- Language — TEER 0 or 1 occupations: CLB 7 in all four abilities
- Language — TEER 2 or 3 occupations: CLB 5 in all four abilities
- No proof of funds required: CEC applicants are exempt from the funds requirement
- No ECA required: education is not assessed for eligibility (but it does affect the CRS score if claimed)
What counts as qualifying Canadian work experience?
- Full-time or equivalent paid employment in Canada in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
- Experience must have been accumulated while authorised to work (on a valid work permit)
- Self-employment income does not count
- Co-op work placements (mandatory or optional) do not count
- Volunteer work does not count
- Work experience outside Canada does not count toward the 1-year CEC minimum
TEER 4 and 5 occupations
Work experience in TEER 4 or TEER 5 occupations (unskilled and semi-skilled work) does not qualify for the CEC. A PGWP holder who has been working in a TEER 4 position (e.g., general labourer, cashier, kitchen helper) is not eligible for the CEC on the basis of that experience alone.
Selection criteria
Application process
Application process
- Accumulate at least 1 year of qualifying Canadian skilled work experience
- Obtain language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada)
- Create an Express Entry profile and declare CEC eligibility
- Receive a CRS score (Canadian work experience adds significant points)
- Await an ITA in an Express Entry draw — CEC candidates may be drawn in all-program draws or in Canadian experience category-based draws
- Submit a complete PR application within 60 days of the ITA
CRS points for Canadian work experience
- 1 year of Canadian work experience: 40 points (without spouse) / 35 points (with spouse)
- 2 years: 53 / 46 points
- 3 years: 64 / 56 points
- 4 years: 72 / 63 points
- 5+ years: 80 / 70 points