The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the Express Entry program for skilled workers who already have paid work experience in Canada. It is often the next step for people who came to Canada as temporary workers or former international students.
Who it's for
- Temporary residents who have worked in a skilled job in Canada with authorization (for example, on a work permit).
- People who plan to live outside Quebec and who are admissible to Canada. Quebec runs its own selection programs.
Minimum requirements
Canadian work experience
- At least 1 year of skilled work in Canada (1,560 hours: full-time, or an equal amount of part-time), in the 3 years before you apply.
- The work must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, and your duties must match the lead statement and most of the main duties of the NOC unit group. Check your code with our NOC finder.
- You must have been paid (wages or commission) and authorized to work under temporary resident status.
What doesn't count:
- Work done while you were a full-time student (for example, on- or off-campus work during your studies).
- Self-employment. A temporary public policy covers some physicians; see IRCC's page for the conditions.
- Work without authorization.
Language
| Occupation level | Minimum in all four abilities |
|---|---|
| TEER 0 or 1 | CLB/NCLC 7 |
| TEER 2 or 3 | CLB/NCLC 5 |
Use an approved test: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada. Results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your profile and when you apply. Convert your results with our CLB/NCLC converter.
What the CEC does not require
- No education requirement. Education still earns CRS points, and foreign studies need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to count.
- No proof of funds. Upload a letter explaining that you are applying under the CEC.
- No job offer.
How CEC candidates are invited
If you qualify for more than one program, IRCC invites you under the CEC first, then the FSWP, then the FSTP. IRCC can hold CEC-only rounds as well as general and category-based rounds. In every round, the highest-ranked eligible candidates are invited, so your CRS score matters. Canadian work experience earns core CRS points and skill-transferability points.
Each round's size and cut-off are published on IRCC's list of rounds. Compare your estimate from our CRS calculator with recent rounds.
Common pitfalls
- Counting student work. Hours worked during full-time studies don't count toward the CEC, even if they were authorized.
- Experience that ages out. The 3-year window moves forward while you wait in the pool. If your qualifying year falls outside it, you can lose CEC eligibility.
- Gaps in status. Work done without valid authorization doesn't count. Keep copies of every permit and extension.
- Wrong NOC. Choose your code by your actual duties, not your job title, and make sure your reference letters describe those duties.
- Expired test results at the time you apply.
How we can help
Anasse Boulbaroud, RCIC, can:
- Consultation: check how many qualifying hours you have, in which TEER, and when your eligibility window closes.
- Profile review: review your NOC choice, reference letters, permits and language results before you submit.
- Application preparation: prepare your permanent residence application after an invitation.
Only IRCC decides who is invited and approved. Book a consultation.