How express entry works for Canadian experience class

The Canadian experience class is one of the immigration programs that allow interested individuals who have worked in Canada for a minimum of 1 year to move permanently. It is operated through Canada’s Express Entry Immigration System.

The government of Canada recognizes the professionals already working in Canada and gives them the benefit of the CEC program to permanently move to Canada and work there. CEC also uses a comprehensive ranking system to rank the most qualified and competitive candidates and invite accordingly. 

Express entry program invites eligible candidates to apply for permanent residence in Canada. These candidates must have created an online express entry profile and are ranked according to the comprehensive ranking system (CRS) based on the details and personal information provided.

Under the CEC program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada team (IRCC) invite the eligible candidates from express entry Canadian experience class pool. The pool contains candidates from other programs as well.

CEC Eligibility Criteria and Program Requirements

The main factor to be eligible under this program is the Canadian work experience. The candidate must have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equivalent in part-time), skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years.

They must also meet the following criteria:

 1. The experience should in one of more occupations classified as skill types O, A and B under the NOC (National Occupational Classification) Code.

2. Work experience obtained during full-time international student study in Canada is not valid.

3. The applicants must intend to live outside of the province of Quebec. 

4. Candidates must reach a certain CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level on an English or French language test. For NOC Skill level O or A Jobs reach a CLB level 7. For NOC Skill level B jobs reach a CLB level 5.

Following is the list of IRCC–approved language tests:

 1. IELTS-General –English

2. CELPIP-General –English

3. TEF –French

4. TCF –French

Candidates with proven knowledge in both English and French obtain additional points under CRS.

Steps on how to get Permanent Residence through Canadian experience class

 1. Obtain a Canadian Work Permit

2. Complete at least 1-year work experience in Canada

3. Meet all the eligibility criteria

4. Create an express entry profile

5. Improve your ranking under CRS

6. Receive an invitation to apply

7. Complete background check and medical checks and submit an e-application

8. E-application will be under review

9. Get confirmation of PR status and complete your landing process

10. Get you Permanent Resident Card

Advantage of applying through Canadian experience class

 1. Unlike other candidates under the express entry, the Canadian experience class candidates are not required to show any proof of settlement funds.

2. Canadian experience class applications are processed quickly within a period of three to four months as the required documentation is minimal in this pool.

3. The main factor is that with the work experience of one year the candidates have a huge advantage in the CRS ranking process.

About the Author

 I have authored this article about express entry for the Canadian experience class, and I hope that it gives useful information about the topic.