Canada2036 StaffThe Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the perfect way to permanent residency for foreign workers. If you have worked in Canada for at least a year, you can settle here through the CEC. The program is a stream under the Express Entry immigration system that allows skilled foreign workers to settle in Canada.
The immigrants under CEC are seen as valuable assets by the government of Canada. They contribute economically and culturally to the development of the country. The Canadian government recognizes such candidates and invites them to apply for permanent residency.
The immigrants under CEC are seen as valuable assets by the government of Canada. They contribute economically and culturally to the development of the country. The Canadian government recognizes such candidates and invites them to apply for permanent residency. To apply for CEC, you have to
- Create an online profile
- Submit the required documents
- Get the invitation to apply (ITA)
Recently, Canada issued ITAs to 3,900 candidates under the Express Entry program. More candidates are expected to receive the ITA as Canada looks to take in more skilled professionals.
Note: CEC candidates can settle anywhere in Canada except the province of Quebec. The province runs its own skilled worker program known as QSWP. If you want to live in Quebec, you need to apply directly to the province.
Why Should You Consider the Canadian Experience Class?
Applying to Express Entry under the CEC has a few distinct advantages. They include:
- CEC candidates have at least a year of work experience in Canada. This advantage lets you get extra points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) under Express Entry.
- You don’t need to submit too many documents to qualify for CEC. As a result, most applications are processed within 3 to 4 months.
- CEC candidates don’t need to present any proof of settlement funds, unlike FSWC and FSTC. This can also go in your favour.
- You don’t need to be in Canada to apply for CEC. If your work experience is within the last 3 years, you can apply from outside the country.
Do note that applying to CEC doesn’t automatically grant you entry to Canada. You still need to score the cut-off required to get the ITA. The cut-off score for the last Express Entry draw was 472. This score changes from time to time and is not fixed.
Who Can Apply for Canadian Experience Class?
Candidates who have prior experience of working in Canada can apply for Express Entry under CEC. There are a few conditions:
- Minimum skilled work experience of 1 year (within last 3 years of application)
- You must have gained the experience by working in Canada legally
- Full-time work, or
- Part-time work (total time should be equal to a full-time job)
The work experience must be in jobs mentioned in the Canadian National Occupational Classification, and include-
- Skill level 0: Managerial jobs
- Skill type A: Professional jobs
- Skill type B: Skilled trades and technical jobs
Your work experience can be in one or more categories mentioned above.
Requirements of Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
You will need to meet certain criteria to qualify for CEC. We have already discussed above the nature of work experience you need. Along with that, you also need to meet the following requirements-
You need to satisfy the required language levels for the job you are going to perform. You will need to prove your ability in-
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
- For skill type 0 and A jobs: Canadian Language Benchmark 7
- For skill type B jobs: Canadian Language Benchmark 5
- TCF (French)
- TEF (French)
- IELTS (English)
- CELPIP – General (English)
Adding language skills also helps you score more on your CRS.
Note: The language test results can be used only for 2 years after the date of the result. They must also be valid when you apply for permanent residence. Most applications are processed within 6 months, so it shouldn’t be a matter of concern for most candidates.
Educational Requirements
You don’t need to meet any education requirements for CEC. But submitting your educational qualifications do add some extra points to your profile under CRS. You can get points for-
- Completing a degree, certificate, or diploma from a Canadian institution (secondary and post-secondary)
- Completed foreign degrees
Note: If you have a foreign degree, you need to submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report. You can get it from any designated organization and prove your degree is equivalent to a Canadian institution.
Can Self-Employed Professionals Qualify for CEC?
Self-employed professionals won’t be able to apply for CEC. The work experience must be under a Canadian employer and covers only full-time and part-time work. You might want to check the Start-Up Visa instead.
Work experiences gained while studying are also not considered under the CEC. So if you are a full-time student and worked a co-op term, you still don’t qualify for CEC.
How to Apply for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
You need an experience of at least one year to apply for CEC. So the steps to get permanent residence under CEC are-
The first step to qualify for CEC is to get a job offer from a Canadian employer. You can get a job offer in many ways. An open work permit is ideal if you are-
- Eligible for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program
- Spouse or common-law partner of a foreign worker or international student in Canada
For other people, a closed work permit may be the answer. Closed work permits include intra-company transfers and those issued with Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Complete 12 months working in your full-time or part-time job. Enjoy living in Canada and get to know the people and its culture. Then move on to the next step.
The next requirement is meeting all the language abilities. Take your tests and ensure you meet all other criteria we discussed to apply for CEC.
You must create a profile on the IRCC website to include yourself in the Express Entry. The process requires you to submit some personal information like history. Some information is self-declared, while for others like language abilities, you need to provide documentation.
You need to get a good CRS rank to get the ITA. Several steps can be taken to increase your score and get a high ranking.
You can provide your Canadian educational qualifications and add up to 250 points. Foreign candidates can also boost their scores by submitting the ECA.
Another way is to look for provincial immigration programs aligned with Express Entry. Your work and skills can get you 600 points if they are in demand in a specific province.
Complete all information and create a strong profile to get a good CRS ranking.
You will have to wait till the IRCC conducts an Express Entry draw to receive your ITA. Once you get it, you have to submit the application within 60 days.
Note: You should have a valid work permit for at least 4 months after you get your ITA. If it’s expiring before that, you have to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit. You can only do this after you submit your application for CEC.
CEC requires you to complete a medical and security check before you can get permanent residence. You will need to submit a medical report from an IRCC-approved panel physician.
You also need to provide a clearance certificate that proves you have completed a police background check. You will have to submit clearance certificates from each country you have resided in for a minimum of 6 months (after the age of 18).
You will need to submit an e-application within 60 days of getting your ITA. The application should be submitted along with comprehensive work reference letters from your previous employers.
Your e-application will be evaluated by the immigration officers. If everything is alright, you will receive a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) letter. Most candidates receive the COPR within 6 months or less. This means you have been granted permanent residence by the Canadian government.
You can apply for your PR card once you receive the COPR. The PR card is proof that you are a resident of Canada from now on.
CEC Outlook
The Canadian government granted Express Entry to 94,977 candidates until January 2019. The IRCC issued 89,800 ITAs in 2018 from the pool of Express Entry candidates. Canada plans to bring in more skilled workers who have experience working in Canada under the CEC. If you are looking to immigrate to Canada and have the required work experience, you can apply for CEC right away! Canada has a skilled worker immigration target of 81,400 for 2019.
Future Predictions – 2020 and Beyond
Canada issued ITAs to 3,900 candidates in October 2019. This is the largest draw held in 2019. The Canadian government allowed another 3,200 candidates in December 2019 to apply for PR.
The country has already broken the record of issuing the highest number of ITAs in 2018. The future looks bright for candidates who want to come to Canada under CEC in 2020 and beyond. You can enter yourself in the Express Entry pool and wait for the next draw to get your ITA (if you get the cut-off CRS score).
Canadian Experience Class Tips
How Long do You Have to Wait for CEC Application?
You first need to create a profile on the IRCC website to opt for CEC. Then you must wait till the IRCC conducts a draw. After that, you can get your application processed within 3 to 4 months a maximum of 6 months).
Then you can receive your ITA, which you must submit within 60 days of receiving it. Then the IRCC will issue you the COPR document within 6 months.
You can expedite the process by-
- Creating your Express Entry profile at the earliest
- Providing accurate information
- Cooperating with all verification processes
- Arranging fees and documents in advance
How Much Time Can It Take to Arrange CEC Documents?
Here are the following documents you need and estimated timeframes-
Passport and travel documents: You can get your passport usually within 1 month.
Language test results: It takes around 2 to 3 months to get your language results. They are valid for another 2 years.
Educational qualifications: You need to submit your Canadian education qualifications or CEC.
Medical report: It may take a few weeks to get your medical exam reports.
Security check: Police background check usually takes a few weeks.
How to Get CEC Documents Done Faster?
- Arrange the documents beforehand
- Sit for language tests before you create your profile
- Get your police verification done in advance (you can go to a passport Seva Kendra)
- Keep your job reference letters ready
- Pay all fees on time
How can You Increase Your CEC Score?
You can add more point to your profile by-
- Having multiple degrees or certificates
- Getting a good score in language tests
- Work experience of more than 1 year
- Establishing a Canadian connection
Are You Eligible for CEC if Your Score is Less than Cut-Off?
The cut-off score for CEC is dynamic and changes periodically based on many factors. You cannot get the ITA if you fail to score at least the current cut-off mark.
Can I Bring My Family under CEC?
Absolutely! You can bring your spouse and children and settle as permanent residents in Canada under CEC.
The Top Stats You Cannot Ignore
The IRCC issued 89,800 ITAs in 2018, which is one of the highest. The number can increase in the next draws like the one in December already issued over 3,200 ITAs.
Do I have to Sit for an Interview for CEC?
Usually no. But an immigration officer may call you to his office for verification.
Road to CEC PR – How to Get Started?
Once you get through CEC, you will receive your ITA. Then you can apply for permanent residency and get your COPR, followed by the PR card.
Assistance from RCIC Agent
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) can help you sail through the immigration process. You can take the assistance of our registered IRCC agents for professional guidance, and to save time and effort.
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