What is Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three programs managed by the Express Entry system, along with the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP). It is one of the most important pathways in the Express Entry system, which is mostly intended for foreign nationals who have skilled job experience in Canada to apply for Canada PR.

IRCC launched the CEC program in 2008, which offers a dedicated pathway for skilled professionals to temporary foreign workers, as well as international graduates, to move from temporary to permanent residency in Canada. CEC is among the most considered choices for trained professionals because it emphasizes work experience in Canada and language proficiency more than education.

For the CEC program, recent international graduates and temporary foreign workers in Canada who have acquired relevant skilled worker experience in Canada apply for CEC. Any applicant currently residing in Canada as a temporary resident can apply for CEC even if they are currently unemployed. Work experience must be gathered while they are temporary residents in Canada. They must have completed 12 months of paid work experience in any roles listed under TEER 1, 2 or 3 occupations.

Benefit of Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• No requirement for sufficient funds
• Faster processing time than other programs
• Extra CRS points for work experience in Canada
• Pathway to Gain Canada PR
• Acquire permanent residency in Canada within 3 months
• Sponsor your family in Canada
• Sponsored dependents to work or study in Canada

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Canadian Experience Class Eligibility Criteria

Applicant must fulfill the eligibility criteria to apply for the CEC program in Canada

• Applicants with prior work experience under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A or B
• Work experience of one year as a temporary resident in Canada
• Language proficiency
• Have at least one year of full-time job experience
• Legally gained work experience in Canada
• Eligible to enter Canada
• Intention to live outside Quebec

Requirements to apply for Canadian Experience Class

To apply for Canadian Experience Canada, an applicant must:

• A valid passport
• Education qualification
• Have one year of work experience gained in Canada in the last three years as a full-time employer and in the previous three years
• If they have Part-time work experience, then they must have an equal amount of work experience
• Must meet the job requirements according to the IRCC job description
• Gain work experience in Canada legally
• Language proficiency of CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 category and CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3 categories
• Police clearance report
• Proof of relation with relatives in Canada (If applicable)
• Education Credential Assessment (ECA) reports

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How to apply for CEC?

Below are the steps to apply for CEC under the Express Entry Program:

Step 1: Create an Express Entry Profile

Step 2: Sort out the requirement

Step 3: Submit the profile in the Express Entry pool

Step 4: Receive an ITA

Step 5: Apply for Canada PR upon receiving an ITA

Steps to apply for CEC as an International student Vs. Temporary Graduate

Below are the different steps to apply for CEC as an International student and a Temporary Graduate:

Steps	Canadian Experience Class for International Students	Canadian Experience Class for Temporary Foreign Worker
Step 1	Complete your educational program at Canadian DLI	Have a Canadian work permit
Step 2	Apply for a Post-Graduation work permit (PGWP) in IRCC	At least have 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience
Step 3	Have proof of at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in NOC category 0,1,2 or 3 jobs	Complete language proficiency in English or French
Step 4	Enter the Express Entry pool	Enter the Express Entry pool
Step 5	Receive an ITA	Receive an ITA
Step 6	Apply for Canada PR	Apply for Canada PR

 

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CEC cost

Below are the details of the processing cost of CEC in Canada:

Type of fee	Amount to be paid (in CAD)
Application fee	$825 (per person)
Right of Permanent Residence fee	$500 (per person)
Fees for dependent child	$260 (per child)
Spouse or partner	$1,525 CAD
Biometric fees	$85

Canadian Experience Class processing time

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) has the fastest pathway to Canadian PR. The processing time of the CEC application is around four months from the time the complete application is submitted.

Below are the details of the CEC processing time:

Processing Stage	Estimated Time
Reviewing the documentation	1-2 months
Medical and Security Checks	3-6 months
Decision Making	6-12 months
Total Estimated Processing Time	6-12 months

 

Canadian Experience Class Draws 2025

Draw No.	Date	Category	No. of ITAs issued	CRS score
#335	05.02.2025	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	521
#333	23.01.2025	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
#332	08.01.2025	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542

 

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is regarded as No.1 of best immigration consultancy; Y-Axis is providing unbiased services to every clients. Our team of experts of visa and immigration will provide step by step assistance to help you to migrate and settle in your dream destination. The services that we provide:  

• Check your free eligibility for Canada through Y-Axis Canada CRS score calculator
• Assistance to migrate to Canada
• Reviewing forms and application for Overseas Immigration
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• Ways to obtain Canada PR 
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