Canadian Experience Class
For skilled workers with Canadian work experience who want to become permanent residents through Express Entry.
Program Overview
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an Express Entry immigration program designed for skilled workers who already have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program, CEC does not require foreign work experience or an Educational Credential Assessment — it rewards people who have already proven themselves in the Canadian labour market. CEC draws through Express Entry tend to have lower CRS cutoffs than general FSW draws, making it a strong pathway for those who have worked in Canada.
Minimum Requirements
You must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class:
Canadian Skilled Work Experience
At least 1 year of skilled work experience (1,560 hours total at 30 hours/week) in Canada within the last 3 years before applying. Experience must be in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. Your experience can be across more than 1 NOC. Work must have been performed while you were authorized to work under temporary resident status. If you worked remotely, you must have been physically in Canada working for a Canadian employer.
Paid Work Only
Work must have been paid by wages or commission. Volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count. Self-employment does not count. Work experience gained while you were a full-time student (including co-op work terms) does not count toward minimum requirements.
Language Ability
You must take an approved language test in English or French and meet the minimum score in all 4 abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing). The minimum CLB level depends on your NOC: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs. Accepted tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General (English); TEF Canada, TCF Canada (French). Results must be less than 2 years old.
No Education Requirement
There is no education requirement to be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class. However, claiming Canadian education or obtaining an ECA for foreign credentials can improve your CRS score and increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply.
Admissibility
You must be admissible to Canada. Security, criminal, or medical issues may affect your eligibility. All accompanying family members must also be admissible.
Province of Intended Destination
You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec. Quebec selects its own skilled workers through a separate process. You can count work experience gained while living in Quebec as long as you can prove you do not plan to settle there.
Language Requirements by NOC
Unlike FSW, the minimum language requirement for CEC varies based on your NOC TEER category:
Minimum Language Scores — Canadian Experience Class
| NOC Category | Minimum CLB Required |
|---|---|
| TEER 0 or 1 | CLB 7 in all 4 abilities |
| TEER 2 or 3 | CLB 5 in all 4 abilities |
CLB = Canadian Language Benchmark. All 4 abilities must meet the minimum: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
CEC vs. Federal Skilled Worker — Key Differences
Many clients qualify for both programs. Here is how they compare:
| Factor | CEC | FSW |
|---|---|---|
| Work experience location | Must be in Canada | Canada or abroad |
| Work experience window | Last 3 years | Last 10 years |
| Minimum points grid | Not required | 67/100 required |
| Education requirement | Not required | Required |
| ECA requirement | Not required | Required for foreign credentials |
| Self-employment counts | No | Yes |
| Student work counts | No | Yes (if paid and continuous) |
If you qualify for both CEC and FSW, our RCIC will advise you on which program gives you the strongest profile and highest CRS score.
Special Provision — Physicians
A special temporary public policy applies to foreign national physicians who were invited to apply through Express Entry on or after April 25, 2023 and have Canadian work experience providing publicly funded medical services (such as fee-for-service work). This work is counted as Canadian work experience even if it would otherwise be considered self-employment.
Government Processing Fees
Government fees are set by IRCC and are subject to change without notice. Always verify the latest fees at canada.ca before submitting your application.
IRCC Government Fees — Canadian Experience Class
| Applicant | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Principal Applicant | $1,525 CAD |
| Spouse or Common-Law Partner | $1,525 CAD |
| Dependent Child (per child) | $260 CAD |
Important: Government processing fees are payable directly to IRCC and are separate from Asteco's professional fees. Fees are subject to change by IRCC at any time. Asteco Immigration Consulting is not responsible for any changes to government fee schedules after the date of your quote.
How Asteco Can Help
Our RCIC team has extensive experience with CEC applications and Express Entry strategy. We assess your profile, optimize your CRS score, and manage the entire application process.
Quick Info
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Government fees and processing times are subject to change by IRCC. Please consult with our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.