Canadian Experience Class
Your Canadian work experience is your golden ticket to permanent residency
For Current Workers
Already working in Canada with 1+ years experience
Faster Processing
No foreign credential assessment needed
Higher Success
Canadian experience is highly valued
Are You CEC Eligible?
Quick checklist to see if you meet the basic requirements
Work Experience
Language Skills
No Job Offer Required
Your Canadian experience speaks for itself
Lower CRS Requirements
Canadian experience gives you competitive advantage
Faster Processing
No foreign credential assessment needed
Higher Success Rate
95%+ success rate with proper guidance
Do You Qualify for CEC?
Interactive eligibility checker with real-time feedback on your CEC application readiness
Canadian Work Experience
Core requirements for your work experience
NOC TEER Categories
Must be in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Your experience can be in multiple NOC categories.
Minimum Duration
At least 1 year of work or 1,560 hours total (30 hours per week) in the 3 years before you apply.
Authorization Required
Must be gained while authorized to work under temporary resident status.
Paid Employment
Must be paid work (wages or commission). Volunteer work or unpaid internships don't count.
Remote Work Conditions
If you worked remotely, you must have been physically in Canada and working for a Canadian employer.
Job Performance
Must show you performed NOC lead statement actions and most main duties.
Language Proficiency
English and/or French language requirements
TEER 0 or 1 Jobs
Management and professional roles require higher language proficiency
TEER 2 or 3 Jobs
Technical and skilled trades have lower language requirements
Education Credentials
Educational requirements for CEC applications
Canadian Credentials
If you studied in Canada, use your Canadian credential directly.
Foreign Credentials
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) required for foreign education.
Minimum Level
High school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement.
💡 Pro Tip
Higher education levels increase your CRS score significantly
Ready for Your CEC Assessment?
Get a personalized evaluation of your CEC eligibility with our AI-powered assessment tool
Have More Questions?
Get detailed answers to common CEC scenarios and edge cases
📚 Browse FAQ SectionCEC Success Stories
Real clients who achieved permanent residency through Canadian Experience Class
Sepideh M.
Aquatic Supervisor
"Immigratic guided me through every step. The process was smooth and stress-free!"
Bamdad M.
Software Developer
"The expert guidance made all the difference. Highly recommend!"
Sara N.
Pharmacy Assistant
"Professional service from start to finish. Worth every penny!"
Ready to Join Our CEC Success Stories?
Let our experts guide you through your Canadian Experience Class journey
Your CEC Journey
Interactive timeline showing each step of your Canadian Experience Class application
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents including work permits, employment letters, and language test results.
Create Express Entry Profile
Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool and receive your CRS score.
Wait for ITA
Wait in the Express Entry pool for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during regular draws.
Submit PR Application
Complete and submit your permanent residence application with all supporting documents.
Receive PR Status
Congratulations! You've successfully obtained Canadian permanent residence through CEC.
Ready to Start Your CEC Journey?
Let our experts guide you through every step of the Canadian Experience Class process
CEC Success Insights
Data-driven insights and trends for Canadian Experience Class applications in 2025
Latest Express Entry Draw
Updated August 7, 2025
Real-time data from latest CEC draw on August 7, 2025
CEC Program Metrics
2025 Performance Overview - Live Data
CEC Trends 2025
CRS Scores & Invitations Over Time
Strategic Recommendations for CEC Success
Optimize Your Score
Focus on language improvement and additional work experience to boost your CRS score above 500.
Timing Strategy
Apply when you have exactly 12 months of experience to maximize your time in the pool.
Document Preparation
Gather all documents early and ensure they meet IRCC requirements to avoid delays.
CEC Eligibility FAQ
Get answers to the most common questions about Canadian Experience Class eligibility and requirements
Can I work remotely for a foreign employer and count it as Canadian experience?
No, remote work for foreign employers does not qualify. Your work experience must be performed while physically present in Canada and for a Canadian employer. This ensures the experience is truly "Canadian" and contributes to the Canadian economy.
💡 Pro Tip: If you're working remotely, ensure your employer is Canadian and you're physically located in Canada during your work hours.
What happens if my work permit expires while I'm gaining experience?
Work performed without authorization does not count and may lead to inadmissibility. However, if you apply to extend your work permit before it expires and continue working under the same conditions, this "maintained status" work is eligible for CEC.
⚠️ Important: Always apply for permit extensions well before expiry to maintain legal status.
How do I prove I performed the NOC duties?
You must demonstrate that you performed the lead statement actions and most of the main duties listed in your NOC job description. This is typically proven through detailed reference letters from supervisors, job descriptions, and supporting documentation like performance reviews.
✅ Best Practice: Request detailed reference letters that specifically mention your NOC duties and responsibilities.
What language tests are accepted for CEC?
English: IELTS (General Training), CELPIP (General), or PTE Core
French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada
All tests must be less than 2 years old at the time of application. Higher scores can significantly improve your CRS score and chances of receiving an ITA.
🆕 New Option: PTE Core is now an approved designated language provider for Express Entry applications, offering more flexibility for English language testing.
TEER 0 or 1 Jobs
Minimum: CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four abilities
TEER 2 or 3 Jobs
Minimum: CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four abilities
Can I use multiple language test results?
No, you must use results from a single test. You cannot combine scores from different test attempts or different test types. However, you can retake the same test type if you want to improve your scores.
What documents do I need for my CEC application?
Essential documents include:
• Work Reference Letters: Detailed letters from supervisors confirming duties, dates, and NOC classification
• T4 Slips & Pay Stubs: Proof of paid employment and work hours
• Language Test Results: Valid test scores from approved testing organizations
• Work Permits: Documentation of legal work authorization during experience period
• Passport & Travel History: Proof of physical presence in Canada
How long do I have to respond to an ITA?
You have exactly 60 days from the date of your Invitation to Apply (ITA) to submit your complete permanent residency application. This includes gathering all required documents, completing forms, and paying fees.
⏰ Critical: Missing the 60-day deadline means losing your ITA and returning to the Express Entry pool.
How long does CEC processing take?
Typical processing time is 6 months from the date of application submission. However, this can vary based on application complexity, document completeness, and current IRCC processing volumes.
Do I need to be employed in Canada when I apply?
No, you do not need to be currently employed. You can apply for CEC as long as you gained your qualifying work experience within the last 36 months before applying. You can be outside Canada, unemployed, or working in a different job when you submit your application.
Can I combine work experience from multiple jobs?
Yes, you can combine experience from multiple jobs to reach the required 1,560 hours. This can include full-time work (30 hours/week for 12 months) or part-time work (e.g., 15 hours/week for 24 months), as long as the total equals 1,560 hours and all work was in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories.
What if I want to live in Quebec?
CEC is not available for Quebec residents. Quebec has its own immigration programs (like the Quebec Experience Program). When creating your Express Entry profile, you must indicate your intent to live outside Quebec. However, after becoming a permanent resident, you're not restricted to a specific province unless you're a Provincial Nominee.
💡 Alternative: If you want to live in Quebec, consider the Quebec Experience Program or other Quebec-specific immigration pathways.
Still Have Questions?
Our immigration experts are here to help with your specific CEC situation
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