Canadian Experience Class

Fast-track immigration for people who have worked or studied in Canada

The Government of Canada has introduced a new class for individuals with ties to Canada to become permanent residents, called the "Canadian Experience Class" (CEC). The CEC was developed to recognize that foreign nationals with Canadian educational and/or Canadian work experience integrate faster into Canada's labour market. The CEC is available to those who have either completed post-secondary education at an approved institution in Canada, and/or have acquired Canadian work experience. Two distinct streams have been developed:

• Post-Graduate Stream
• Temporary Foreign Worker Stream

Post-Graduate Stream

Under this stream the applicant must have:

• Completed a required program of study in Canada and obtained a Canadian educational credential (e.g., degree, diploma, or certificate).
• Been enrolled full-time in this program of study or training for two years.
• Acquired one year of full-time equivalent, skilled-work experience at the NOC 0, A or B level in Canada, within the two years preceding the date the application is made.

Note: the Canadian work experience must have been acquired after graduation from the approved Canadian institution. 

Temporary Foreign Worker Stream

Under this stream an applicant must have two years of full-time equivalent, skilled-work experience at the NOC 0, A or B level (i.e., managerial, professional, or skilled and technical), acquired in Canada within the three years preceding the date the application is made.

Note: in either stream, the applicant must have legal temporary status in Canada at the time the application is submitted ( i.e., work permit, study permit). Regardless of which stream an applicant pursues, proof of proficiency in either English or French is required. The level of proficiency varies, however, depending on whether the applicant's work experience was acquired under NOC level O, A, or B.

Contrary to the Federal Skilled Worker Class, the CEC does not assess candidates on a points system. The CEC uses a pass/fail system. Applicants will therefore qualify if they meet the minimum criteria for each respective stream.

The CEC program has been fully implemented, and applications can be made immediately. To inquire about the new Canadian Experience Class, please book a consultation with one of our lawyers.