Canadian Experience Class: An Overview

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the ways that gives you the opportunity to become a permanent resident of Canada. Applicants are ranked on the government’s comprehensive ranking system (CRS), and every so often a certain number of top applicants are given an invitation to apply. To learn who is eligible and how to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class, continue reading below.

Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Experience Class

The purpose of express entry is to invite skilled foreign nationals in the hope of strengthening the Canadian Labour market. The specific eligibility requirements are:

• Must have minimum 12 months full time work experience or equivalent skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years.
• Gained experience in Canada with proper authorization
• Meet or exceed minimum language requirements
• Plan to live outside Quebec

In addition to the requirements above, your work experience must specifically be within certain National Occupation Classifications, otherwise known as NOC.s. The NOC’s which are recognized as skilled work experience are Professional jobs (NOC level A), Skilled Trades and Technical Jobs (NOC level B) and  Managerial jobs (NOC level 0). It is mandatory that not only have you worked a job that classifies but that you have actually performed all the essential duties and the majority of main duties in the lead statement of the occupational description in the NOC.

Language Ability Requirements

Having the language ability to communication effectively is important in order to live and work in Canada. Therefore, there is a minimum level in which you must be able to communicate in one of the recognized Canadian languages, either English or French. Language ability will also go towards your score on your express entry profile. The better you score on language, the higher your chances of receiving an invitation to apply. You must take a language test approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and score a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for NOC B jobs or the minimum language level of Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for NOC 0.

Education Requirements

This is no required education in order to apply for the Canadian Experience class, but with that being said, your foreign education credentials will help you score higher on the comprehensive language ranking system therefore bettering your chances of receiving an invitation to apply. To earn points for your education under Express Entry you need a Canadian high school or post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate OR a completed foreign credential and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a CIC approved agency in order to make the foreign credentials valid in terms of Canadian education.

Receiving an Invitation to Apply

You have successfully completed stage 1 of the express entry application once you receive your invitation to apply. You have 60 days to complete and submit your stage 2 application along with all processing fees. You may also be required to pass criminal and security checks, as well a medical exam.

Important note:

Receiving an invitation to apply does not necessarily mean that you will be permitted to come to Canada, but it does mean you have a head start.

Akrami and Associates

Express Entry applications can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming. It is highly recommended to seek professional and experienced assistance before attempting to submit your application. At Akrami and Associates, our representatives have the expertise and experience that have assisted many clients successfully become permanent residents through Express Entry. Contac us today for further details or to get your application started. 416-477-2545 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

With Akrami & Associates there is always a way!!