Many work permit holders with Canadian experience are running out of time and struggling to find a pathway to permanent residency. As a result, more and more of these workers would be leaving Canada and returning to their home countries. If you’re among those who have already left (or are considering leaving), you may be wondering: Can I still apply for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)? The good news is—yes, you can! However, there are some key details to keep in mind to ensure a smooth application process.

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The CEC is one of Canada’s immigration programs under the Express Entry system. It’s designed for people who have gained skilled work experience in Canada and want to transition to permanent residency (PR). The biggest advantage of the CEC is that it does not require proof of settlement funds, making it an attractive pathway for many international workers.

Applying for CEC from Outside Canada—Is it Possible?

Yes, it is possible to apply for the Canadian Experience Class even if you are outside Canada when submitting your application. However, you must still meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Canadian Work Experience: You need at least one year of skilled work experience (full-time or an equivalent amount in part-time) in Canada within the last three years before applying.
2. Work Experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3: Your job should fall under these categories according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
3. Language Proficiency: You must meet the minimum language requirements in either English or French (CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs).
4. Valid Work Authorization: The work experience must have been gained legally in Canada while on a valid work permit.

Key Considerations When Applying from Outside Canada

While being outside Canada does not disqualify you, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Timelines Matter: Your Canadian work experience must be within the last three years. If too much time passes, you may lose eligibility.
• Express Entry Profile and Invitations: Since CEC operates under Express Entry, you need to create a profile and enter the pool. Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score determines your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
• Address and Contact Information: Ensure that you provide a current and accessible address where you can receive correspondence. IRCC may request additional documents or updates, and failing to respond promptly could delay your application.
• Police Clearance Certificates: If you have lived in multiple countries since leaving Canada, securing police clearance from each location may take time. It's important to plan ahead to avoid delays in your application.

An opportunity to increase your CRS score

If you have Canadian work experience but lack foreign work experience, this could be a great opportunity to gain it and improve your CRS score. Accumulating more than one year of foreign work experience can significantly boost your score and improve your ranking in the Express Entry pool.

Conclusion

Applying for PR from outside Canada can be stressful, especially when dealing with Express Entry draws, CRS scores, and documentation. A small mistake can lead to delays or even refusals.

That’s where professional guidance can make a difference! At Saranova Immigration Inc., we help skilled workers seamlessly navigate the Canadian Experience Class pathway.

Book a consultation with Sulabh Mahajan today and take the next step toward becoming a permanent resident of Canada!

📩 Email: sulabh@saranova.ca
📞 Call: 647-642-3223