Canadian Experience
Class (CEC)

Who may be eligible for the CEC?

Under the rules published by IRCC, including:

• at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada, that is 1,560 hours in total (30 hours a week), within the last 3 years;
• an occupation in TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the NOC;
• paid work, full-time, part-time or a combination of both, done with authorized temporary resident status;
• an approved language test, in English or French, with the minimum level in all four abilities: CLB 7 for a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, CLB 5 for a TEER 2 or 3 occupation;
• no education requirement specific to the CEC;
• the intention to settle in a province or territory other than Québec.

Not counted toward the required experience: self-employment, unpaid work (volunteering) and work done while you were enrolled full-time in studies. These rules may change: see the official IRCC page.

After your studies: the post-graduation work permit

Work done during full-time studies does not count, but experience gained after your studies can count if it meets the other conditions, for example with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). See also our services for international students.

The CEC and Québec

The CEC is a federal program: it is for people who plan to settle outside Québec. According to IRCC, eligible work experience gained in Québec can be counted, but you must show that you do not plan to settle in Québec when you apply.

If your plan is to live in Québec, other Québec selection pathways can be considered, in particular the PSTQ or the PEQ, depending on your situation and the rules in force.

CEC, Express Entry and ranking (CRS)

Being eligible for the CEC is one thing, being invited is another. Once your profile is in the Express Entry pool, candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and invitations depend on IRCC's rounds, whose cut-off varies. There is no minimum CRS score for eligibility to the CEC.

We assess your profile and the factors that influence the ranking, with no guarantee of an invitation. Rounds are published by IRCC.

How we can help

Pro Immigration can help you:

• check your Canadian work experience;
• check the NOC code and the TEER category of your position;
• review your language results;
• assess your Express Entry profile and your CRS ranking;
• create and update your profile;
• prepare the documents and support the application after an invitation;
• follow the file through to a decision.

We cannot guarantee an invitation or permanent residence: the decision rests with IRCC.

The steps

• 1. Review of your experience, your occupation and your language;
• 2. Eligibility check for the CEC;
• 3. Creating the Express Entry profile;
• 4. Invitation, possibly, from IRCC;
• 5. Preparing and filing the permanent residence application;
• 6. Follow-up of the file.

Documents and evidence

Depending on your situation, we help you gather:

• proof of your work experience: reference letters, pay stubs or records of employment;
• proof of status and work permits;
• your language test results;
• your identity documents and the other documents requested at the invitation.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between the CEC and Express Entry?

Express Entry is the system that manages profiles and invitations. The CEC is one of the eligibility categories within that system.

What experience is required?

At least 12 months (1,560 hours) of skilled work experience in Canada, in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation, within the last 3 years.

Does experience gained in Québec count?

According to IRCC, it can be counted if it is eligible, but you must show that you do not plan to settle in Québec when you apply.

Do you need a diploma?

No, the CEC has no education requirement. Education can, however, affect the CRS ranking.

Is there a minimum CRS score to be eligible?

No: the CEC does not impose a minimum CRS score. An invitation, however, depends on the cut-off of each round, which varies.