What is the Canadian Experience Class?

The Canadian Experience Class Program is another way of applying for Permanent Residence under the Express Entry system, which was introduced in January of 2015. It means after a certain amount of Canadian work experience you can apply to obtain a Permanent Residence Visa. Express Entry is an electronic management application system for immigration into Canada. It helps in the selection and processing of applications for permanent residence, under particular economic immigration programs. The major goal for Express Entry is to connect immigration to the labour market. Express Entry received the name because once you are given an “Invitation to Apply”, then you have 60 days to complete the application for Permanent Residence, it could only take up to 6 months to process. The Express Entry does not change the immigration requirements; it just assists in making it faster and more organized.

You can only qualify for the Canadian Experience Class Program through a post-secondary education, if you have only acquired a Master’s degree, after completing a previous program one year in length. Both must be completed from an approved Canadian post-secondary institution, and within 2 years. If you did a co-op year it does not qualify for the one year of employment, you must graduate from the program before work hours can be accounted for. The work experience does not have to relate back to what was studied. Part time work while you were a student also does not qualify.

To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class Program you must have:

• At least 12 months of full time work experience as a skilled, professional, or technical worker, within 36 months of your application date
• Have gained the work experience legally and properly
• Meet the language requirements, in speaking, listening and reading, based on the desired job
• If you are an international student, have obtained a degree or diploma from a school that is recognized by the provincial government
• Plan to live and work outside the province of Quebec

Please feel free to contact us to help get you started on the process of making Canada your new home.

How can I qualify under the Canadian Experience Class?

To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class Program you must have:

• At least 12 months of full time work experience as a skilled, professional, or technical worker, within 36 months of your application date
• Have gained the work experience legally and properly
• Meet the language requirements, in speaking, listening and reading, based on the desired job
• If you are an international student, have obtained a degree or diploma from a school that is recognized by the provincial government
• Plan to live and work outside the province of Quebec

You can only qualify for the Canadian Experience Class Program through a post-secondary education, if you have only acquired a Master’s degree, after completing a previous program one year in length. Both must be completed from an approved Canadian post-secondary institution, and within 2 years. If you did a co-op year it does not qualify for the one year of employment, you must graduate from the program before work hours can be accounted for. The work experience does not have to relate back to what was studied. Part time work while you were a student also does not qualify.

If you need assistance in your application we are here to help you. Do not hesitate to contact us.

Can I apply for Permanent Residence under the Canadian Experience Class Program if I intend to live in the province of Quebec?

You cannot apply for Permanent Residence under the Canadian Experience Class if you intend to live in the province of Quebec. To apply for Permanent Residence under the Canadian Experience Class Program you must live outside the province of Quebec. If you live in Quebec and would like to apply, you will have to do so under the Quebec Experience Class. Under the Quebec Experience Class there are two separate categories, one for international students and another for temporary workers. The major differences between the Canada Experience Class Program and the Quebec Experience program are that within the province of Quebec:

• Have a understanding in speaking, listening and reading of the French language
• The requirements are also based on a pass or fail, and not the point system like the Canadian Experience Entry Program.

Please contact us with anything questions you may have. We are here to help you make Canada your new home.

Is it possible for me to qualify under the Canadian Experience Class Program without the education requirement?

You can only qualify for the Canadian Experience Class Program through a post-secondary education, if you have only acquired a Master’s degree, after completing a previous program one year in length. Both must be completed from an approved Canadian post-secondary institution, and within 2 years. If you did a co-op year it does not qualify for the one year of employment, you must graduate from the program before work hours can be accounted for. The work experience does not have to relate back to what was studied. Part time work while you were a student also does not qualify.

Please contact us and we will work with you to make your stay in Canada possible.

Does my work experience have to be related to my education in order to be recognized?

Your work experience does not have to relate back to what you studied in school. It is required that you graduate first then work, as any part time hours while studying does not apply. The job should be full time, at least 30 hours a week, and paid. You may also work part time, but still require it to add up to 30 hours per week. You must stay on top of current job trends, because some jobs do not qualify depending on the demand. Positions such as cooks, administrative assistants, and retail associates do not currently qualify due to over-representation in Canada at this time.

Work experience is based on skill types on National Occupational Classification.

• Skill Type 0 - Managerial Occupations (restaurant managers, store managers)
• Skill Type A – Professional Occupations (doctors, lawyers, dentists)
• Skill Type B – Technical Occupations and Skilled Trades (electricians, plumbers)

Please contact us to help you get started on the process of making Canada your new home.

Am I still eligible to qualify under the Canadian Experience Class despite having returned to my home country?

If you return to your home country and you still choose to apply, it is still possible. You have up to two years, from the final day of leaving your job in Canada.

Work experience is based on skill types on National Occupational Classification.

• Skill Type 0 - Managerial Occupations (restaurant managers, store managers)
• Skill Type A – Professional Occupations (doctors, lawyers, dentists)
• Skill Type B – Technical Occupations and Skilled Trades (electricians, plumbers)

The job must be full time, at least 30 hours a week, and paid. You may also work part time, but still require it to add up to 30 hours. You must stay aware that some jobs do not qualify depending on the demand. Positions such as cooks, administrative assistants, and retail associates do not currently qualify due to over-representation in Canada at this time.