The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for skilled workers who have worked in Canada for the last three years prior to applying and who have passed a language test. It cannot be used to obtain refugee status. 

The basic requirements for participation in the program are:

  • Work experience in Canada. The applicant must have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (or an equivalent amount of experience if part-time) within 3 years prior to applying. Work in Canada is only possible for the period of validity of the work permit with a temporary resident permit (TRP).
  • NOC compliance. You must demonstrate that all or most of your primary duties are the same as the duties listed in the main part of the job description in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This program applies to the training, education, experience, and duties categories of the NOC: TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3. The job must be paid (including wages or commissions).
  • Exceptions and special features. The CEC program does not count as self-employment or full-time study (even if it was part-time). However, there are exceptions for physicians who 1) have been invited to apply for permanent residence starting from 25 April 2023; 2) have experience working in the field of health services funded by the Canadian government; or 3) don’t have the right to receive permanent residence, as they are self-employed.
  • Knowledge of language. A minimum score of five on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French.

To summarize: to be successful in the Canadian Experience Class program, you must meet clear criteria: a minimum of 1 year of work experience in Canada in the last 3 years, meet the NOC professional categories TEER 0-3, and have demonstrated proficiency in English or French. It is important to note that self-employment and work during full-time training do not count towards the program, although there are special exceptions for medical professionals in certain categories.