Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Who Qualifies for CEC?

To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, you must:

• Have at least 12 months of skilled Canadian work experience in the last 3 years (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
• Meet minimum language requirements (CLB 7 for NOC 0 or 1; CLB 5 for NOC 2 or 3)
• Plan to live outside Quebec

Note: Self-employment and work experience gained while studying full-time (without a work permit) do not count toward CEC eligibility.

CEC Requirements

1. Work Experience

You must have gained your work experience in Canada with proper authorization (work permit, PGWP, etc.). Part-time work counts if it totals 12 months full-time equivalent (1,560 hours).

2. Language Proficiency

You must prove your language skills with an approved test (IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF Canada for French). Minimum scores:

• NOC 0 or 1: CLB 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
• NOC 2 or 3: CLB 5 in all four abilities

3. Admissibility

You must be admissible to Canada (no criminal inadmissibility, security concerns, or medical inadmissibility).

How to Apply for CEC

The Canadian Experience Class is managed through Express Entry. You must:

1. Create an Express Entry profile and indicate your interest in CEC
2. Receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on your age, education, work experience, and language skills
3. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your score is high enough
4. Submit your complete application within 60 days of receiving an ITA

Processing Time

Most Express Entry applications, including CEC, are processed within 6 months after submission.