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Canadian Experience Class

Canadian Experience Class

Individuals who have worked in Canada and wish to settle permanently with their dependents may be eligible for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class. 

The Canadian Experience Class program acknowledges the advantages for Canada of candidates who have dedicated significant time to their studies and careers in the country. It appreciates their contributions to the Canadian economy and their establishment of strong connections to Canadian society. 

Requirements for Canadian Experience Class 

Eligibility for permanent residence under the CEC is determined on a pass-fail basis, with the primary criteria being: 

  • The candidate must have gained 12 months of full-time work experience in an occupation classified under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Eligible occupations include managerial, professional, technical, or skilled trade roles. 
  • The Relevant Canadian work experience must have been accumulated within the 36 months immediately before the application date. 
  • The candidate must demonstrate adequate proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages. The required level of proficiency depends on the occupation in which the candidate obtained qualifying Canadian work experience. 
  • The candidate must not be inadmissible to Canada for medical, criminal, or security reasons. 


Qualifying work experience 

Qualifying work experience must be full-time and skilled. “Full-time” means 30 hours per week. Part-time work will be considered, but only on a proportional basis. For example, 6 months in a part-time skilled position at 15 hours per week will count as three months towards the 12-month requirement. Multiple concurrent part-time jobs can also be used to fulfill the experience requirement. 

Any work experience in Canada obtained without valid work authorization will not be considered. Additionally, periods of self-employment or work experience gained while the candidate was enrolled in a full-time study program are not eligible. 


Language proficiency 

Minimum proficiency must be shown in all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Applicants with qualifying work experience in NOC TEER 0 and 1 occupation must achieve Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7. Those with experience in NOC TEER 2 and 3 occupations must meet CLB level 5. 

The equivalencies between the required levels of proficiency in French or English and test results from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test d'évalutaion de francais (TEF) are:

CLB Level 

IELTS General Training Test Results 

 

Speaking 

Listening 

Reading 

Writing 

7 

6.0 

6.0 

6.0 

6.0 

5 

5.0 

5.0 

4.0 

5.0 

CLB Level 

CELPIP General Test Results 

 

Speaking 

Listening 

Reading 

Writing 

7 

7 

7 

7 

7 

5 

5 

5 

5 

5 

CLB Level 

Test d'évalutaion de francais (TEF Canada) Test Results 

 

Speaking 

Listening 

Reading 

Writing 

7 

310-348 

249-279 

207-232 

310-348 

5 

226-270 

181-216 

151-180 

226-270 

CLB Level 

Test des connaissances de francais (TCF Canada) Test Results 

 

Speaking 

Listening 

Reading 

Writing 

7 

10-11 

458-502 

453-498 

10-11 

5 

6 

369-397 

6 

375-405 

 

The Canadian Experience Class is an ideal program for individuals who are familiar with life in Canada and wish to resettle here. 

For eligible candidates, it offers a quick and dependable route to permanent residence with clear, objective criteria. Additionally, applications can be submitted from within Canada while the candidate holds valid temporary status. In essence, it facilitates a smooth transition from temporary to permanent residency in Canada. 

The Canadian Experience Class does not apply to individuals looking to settle in the Province of Quebec; however, work experience gained in Quebec is valid for meeting CEC program requirements if the candidate intends to move to another province.