The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a popular immigration pathway for individuals who have gained professional work experience in Canada. This program is designed for international students and temporary foreign workers who have already adapted to Canadian life and wish to transition to permanent residency. Here’s an in-depth look at how you can become eligible and apply for the CEC.
Canadian Experience Class – Detailed Application Process
Let’s delve into the detailed application process from securing a work permit to receiving your PR card.
Step 1: Obtain a Canadian Work Permit
Securing a work permit is crucial. This could be an open work permit for those eligible under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program or a closed work permit issued with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Step 2: Complete a Year of Work in Canada
Ensure you complete at least one year of full-time work or an equivalent amount of part-time work in Canada. This work experience must be in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 job.
Step 3: Meet Other Eligibility Criteria
Take a designated language test (IELTS, CELPIP for English, TEF, TCF for French) and achieve the required CLB score. Candidates with proficiency in both languages can earn additional points.
Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile
Create a profile on the IRCC website. Provide detailed personal information and documentation, including proof of language ability and work experience.
Step 5: Improve Your Profile and CRS Ranking
If your CRS score is below the cut-off, consider ways to improve it. This could include obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for your education, gaining additional work experience, or exploring Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program streams.
Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. If your work permit is expiring soon, apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit to continue working during the process.
Step 7: Complete Medical and Security Checks
Undergo a medical exam with an IRCC-recognized panel physician and provide police background checks from countries you have lived in for at least six months since the age of 18.
Step 8: Submit an E-Application
Submit your e-application within 60 days of receiving the ITA. Include detailed work reference letters and ensure all information is accurate.
Step 9: Application Review and Confirmation of PR Status
A Canadian immigration officer will review your application. If approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Step 10: Receive Your PR Card
After landing in Canada as a permanent resident, apply for your PR card. This card serves as proof of your status in Canada and is necessary for travel outside the country.
Becoming Eligible for the CEC as an International Student
International students graduating from eligible educational programs in Canada form the primary group of individuals who gain permanent residence through the CEC. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Complete Your Educational Program
First, you need to complete an educational program at a designated learning institution in Canada. Ensure the institution is recognized and the program qualifies you for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Step 2: Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Upon graduation, apply for a PGWP through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This permit allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
Step 3: Gain Work Experience
With your PGWP, you must obtain at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 job. This equates to full-time work for one year or an equivalent amount of part-time work.
Step 4: Take a Language Test
You need to take an English or French language test designated by IRCC and meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirement. For NOC TEER category 0 and 1 jobs, you need a CLB 7. For NOC TEER category 2 and 3 jobs, a CLB 5 is required.
Step 5: Enter the Express Entry Pool
Create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website and enter the candidate pool. If you receive an invitation to apply, IRCC aims to process your permanent residence application within six months.
Becoming Eligible for the CEC as a Temporary Foreign Worker
Temporary foreign workers can also become eligible for the CEC after gaining one year of professional work experience in Canada. Here’s how:
Step 1: Obtain a Canadian Work Permit
First, secure a Canadian work permit. This could be an open work permit or an employer-specific (closed) work permit depending on your situation.
Step 2: Gain Required Work Experience
Accumulate at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 job. This is essential to meet the eligibility criteria for the CEC.
Step 3: Take a Language Test
Similar to international students, temporary foreign workers must take an English or French language test designated by IRCC and achieve the required CLB score based on their job classification.
Step 4: Enter the Express Entry Pool
Submit an Express Entry profile and enter the pool. If your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score meets the cut-off, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Related FAQs
Q: How long does it take to process a CEC application? A: IRCC aims to process CEC applications within six months from the date of submission.
Q: Do I need a job offer to apply for the CEC? A: No, you do not need a job offer to apply for the CEC. However, you must have one year of Canadian work experience in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 job.
Q: Can I include my family in my CEC application? A: Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application for permanent residence.
Q: What if my work permit expires while my PR application is being processed? A: You can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit to continue working in Canada while your PR application is being processed.
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