Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class is managed through Express Entry and is intended for applicants who have gained eligible Canadian work experience. The type of work, period of experience, authorization to work, and language level all matter.
General information only. Requirements change. IRCC makes the final decision.
Eligibility requirements
At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years, in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. The experience must have been gained with proper work authorization — a work permit or status that allowed employment.
Language requirements
Minimum CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 and 1 occupations. Minimum CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 and 3 occupations. Valid language test results from a designated test (IELTS General, CELPIP, TEF Canada) must be submitted.
What does not qualify
Self-employment in most cases, work that required less than the minimum language threshold, work done without proper authorization, or work in NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupations does not qualify for CEC.
CEC and the Express Entry pool
CEC candidates can benefit from draws targeted specifically at CEC applicants, which sometimes occur at lower CRS thresholds than general draws. This can make CEC a faster route than FSWP in certain conditions.
What you can expect from a serious review
- A route comparison based on the information provided
- A document and evidence checklist
- Clear decision points
- An explanation of what still needs official verification
- A defined next action
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help deciding what to do next?
Share your goal and a short summary of your situation. We will use it to prepare for an initial discussion. This is not an official immigration assessment.
No result is guaranteed. The value of the review is a clearer route, a better-prepared file and a more informed decision.
