Everyone working in Canada shares the ultimate dream of making it their permanent home, and for many immigrants, Canada has long been a top destination for building a better future.

If you've already spent time working in Canada and want to transition to permanent residence, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) might be a worthy program to consider. This immigration pathway, part of the Express Entry system, is designed specifically for individuals who have gained valuable work experience in Canada. But what does it take to qualify? Let's have a look. 

1. Work Experience

The main eligibility factor of CEC is Canadian work experience. To qualify, you must have:

• At least one year (1,560 hours) of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying.
• The work must be in one or more jobs classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (which includes managerial, professional, technical, and skilled trades jobs).
• The experience must be gained legally while on valid work authorization, such as a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or a work permit.

Note – A maximum of 30 hours per week counts toward the required 1,560 hours. Any additional hours worked beyond 30 per week will not be included in the calculation.

2. Language Proficiency

Canada is a bilingual country, strong language skills in English or French are a must. Here’s what forms the eligibility criteria:

• For TEER 0 or 1 jobs: A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
• For TEER 2 or 3 jobs: A CLB of 5 in all four abilities.
• You must take an approved language test, such as IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core (for English), or TEF Canada, TCF Canada (for French).

3. Intent to Live Outside Quebec

Quebec has its own immigration system, so if you want to apply through CEC, you must plan to live outside of Quebec. If you are interested in Quebec, you’ll need to apply through their Quebec-selected skilled workers program.

4. Educational Credentials

One great thing about the CEC program is that it does not require a specific level of education. However, having an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education or a Canadian degree can boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

5. No Need for Proof of Funds

Unlike other immigration streams, CEC applicants don’t need to show proof of funds. Since you’ve already worked in Canada, it's assumed that you’ve established yourself financially. However, IRCC may assess your job-related documents like paystubs, employment letters etc.

The Canadian Experience Class is one of the most straightforward ways to become a permanent resident if you’ve worked in Canada. If you meet the criteria, your next step is to create an Express Entry profile, maximize your CRS score, and wait for an ITA in the next draw.

If you're considering applying for the Canadian Experience Class and want personalized guidance, book a consultation with Sulabh Mahajan from Saranova Immigration Inc. Get expert advice tailored to your unique situation and take the next step toward permanent residency with confidence!