What is the Canadian Experience Class and who can apply?
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a federal Express Entry stream designed for people who already have skilled work experience inside Canada. It is one of the most common pathways used by temporary foreign workers and international graduates who want to transition to permanent residence without leaving the country.
To be eligible, you must have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled Canadian work experience in the past three years in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. The experience must have been gained while authorized to work in Canada. You also need to meet minimum language benchmarks: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 roles, and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 roles.
Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program, there is no minimum selection-grid score and no education or settlement-funds requirement. However, you must intend to live outside Quebec (Quebec manages its own immigration selection). Because you are already in Canada, CEC applications often move faster and with fewer documentation hurdles than foreign-experience streams.
Key takeaways
- At least one year of skilled Canadian work experience in the past three years is required.
- Experience must have been accumulated with valid work authorization.
- No settlement funds or education minimum applies, unlike FSWP.
- Quebec residents must use Quebec's own selection process.