Canadian Experience Class
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration program in Canada designed for foreign workers who have gained skilled work experience in Canada and wish to become permanent residents. The CEC is one of the three economic immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system, alongside the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Here are the key points to understand about the Canadian Experience Class:
- 1. Eligibility Requirements for CEC Program
To be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Work Experience:
You need to have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years. The work experience must be in a skilled occupation classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or B (technical occupations and skilled trades). The work experience should be gained after obtaining legal authorization to work in Canada.
- Language Proficiency:
You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a designated language test (such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) and meeting the minimum language requirements. You need to achieve the required minimum scores in all language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The language test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.
- Education:
There is no specific education requirement for the CEC program. However, having a higher level of education may improve your overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system.
- Admissibility:
You and any accompanying family members must meet the health and security requirements to be admissible to Canada. This includes undergoing medical examinations and obtaining police certificates from each country where you have lived for a certain period.
- Express Entry System:
The CEC is managed through the Express Entry system. Therefore, you must meet the general eligibility criteria for Express Entry, which includes being eligible under at least one of the federal economic immigration programs (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC) and creating an Express Entry profile.
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score:
Your CRS score will be calculated based on various factors, including age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other additional criteria. You must achieve a competitive CRS score to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through the CEC.
- 2. How to Immigrate to Canada through the CEC
To immigrate to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, you need to follow these steps:
- Determine Eligibility:
Review the eligibility requirements for the CEC program to ensure you meet the criteria, including having at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, language proficiency, and meeting the admissibility requirements.
- Language Proficiency:
Take a designated language test (such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) to demonstrate your proficiency in English or French. Achieve the minimum language scores required for each language skill (speaking, listening, reading, and writing).
- Work Experience:
Ensure you have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years. The work experience should be in a skilled occupation classified under Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or B (technical occupations and skilled trades) of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
- Create an Express Entry Profile:
Create an online profile through the Express Entry system, which includes providing information about your work experience, education, language proficiency, and other relevant details. Your profile will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on various factors.
- Enter the Express Entry Pool:
Once your profile is complete, enter the Express Entry pool. Your CRS score will determine your rank among other candidates. Higher CRS scores have a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
If you meet the minimum CRS score requirements in a draw conducted by the Canadian government, you will receive an ITA. This invitation allows you to apply for permanent residency through the CEC program.
- Submit the Application:
Within the specified timeframe (usually 60 days), gather all the required documents, including forms, supporting documents, fees, and police clearances. Complete and submit your application for permanent residency through the CEC program.
- Application Processing:
Once your application is submitted, it will be processed by Canadian immigration authorities. This may involve background checks, verification of documents, and assessment of eligibility.
- Medical and Security Checks:
Undergo medical examinations to meet the health requirements for immigration to Canada. Provide police certificates from each country you have resided in for a certain period to demonstrate your admissibility.
- Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR):
If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR) along with a permanent resident visa (if applicable). This allows you to travel to Canada and become a permanent resident.