What is the Canadian Experience Class and who qualifies?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a federal permanent residence program for people who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada. It is part of the Express Entry system. Because it is a federal program, IRCC sets all eligibility rules — Ontario has no authority over CEC.

To qualify, you generally need at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within a set period before you apply. The work must be in an eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) category — typically managerial, professional, or technical/skilled trades positions. Self-employment does not count toward the CEC work requirement.

You must also meet language requirements in English or French and plan to live outside the province of Quebec (Quebec manages its own immigration). The CEC does not require a job offer, which distinguishes it from some other streams. Because eligibility is tightly defined and NOC codes matter, it is worth reviewing your job duties against the NOC description carefully before submitting your profile. A lawyer can help you confirm which NOC code applies to your work.