Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Eligibility, CRS Points & PR Pathway

The CEC continues to be one of the fastest immigration streams in 2025, with dedicated draws and favourable opportunities for skilled workers already contributing to Canada’s workforce.

• Dedicated CEC draws issued over 5,000 ITAs in the first half of 2025
• Requires 1 year of Canadian skilled work experience within the past 3 years.
• Recent CEC draws in 2025 had CRS cut-offs between 529–542, lower than many all-program draws.
• Processing remains fast, with most applications finalized in around 6 months.
• Provides a direct PR pathway, with eligibility for citizenship after 3 years of residency.

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three main programs under Canada’s Express Entry system, designed for skilled workers who already have Canadian work experience. It allows temporary foreign workers and international graduates to transition more easily to permanent residency by recognizing their contribution to Canada’s labour market.

Applicants must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years, meet the required language proficiency levels, and be admissible to Canada. Successful candidates enter the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with competitive scores are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular IRCC draws.

This program provides a fast-track pathway to Canadian permanent residency, with most complete applications processed in around 6 months, according to IRCC.

Benefits of Applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Direct Pathway to PR – Successful candidates gain a clear and straightforward route to permanent residency through Express Entry.
• No Job Offer Required – Applicants do not need a current job offer, making it accessible to those who have completed prior work in Canada.
• Faster Processing Times – Most complete CEC applications are finalized in around 6 months, as per IRCC’s service standards.
• Tailored for Canadian Experience – Prior Canadian work experience increases eligibility and integration prospects.
• Higher CRS Advantage – Canadian work experience and language ability contribute significantly to higher CRS scores, improving chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Eligibility Criteria for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

To qualify under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), applicants must meet specific requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These criteria ensure that candidates have relevant Canadian work experience and the ability to integrate successfully as permanent residents.

• Canadian Work Experience – At least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. The work must fall under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 and must be legal and authorized.
• Language Proficiency – Applicants must meet minimum language levels:

- TEER 0 or 1 jobs: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB 7)

- TEER 2 or 3 jobs: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB 5)

• Residency Intent – Candidates must plan to live outside the province of Quebec, which has its own immigration pathways.
• Admissibility – Applicants must meet Canada’s standard health, security, and character requirements.

Note: These criteria are central to ensuring that CEC applicants can successfully transition from temporary status to permanent residency.

Work Experience that Counts for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Not all Canadian work experience qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). According to IRCC, only specific types of skilled, authorized employment can be considered. Applicants must carefully review what is eligible to ensure they meet the program’s requirements.

Work experience that counts includes:

• Full-time Work – At least 30 hours per week of paid employment, or an equal amount in part-time work, accumulated within the last three years.
• Paid Employment Only – Unpaid or volunteer work, including unpaid internships, does not qualify.
• Authorized Employment – Experience gained as a temporary foreign worker in Canada counts, provided the work was legal and properly authorized.
• Exclusions – Self-employment and work completed while a full-time student (such as co-op placements) generally do not count towards eligibility.

Note: This ensures that only genuine, skilled Canadian work experience is recognized, strengthening the program’s focus on long-term economic integration.

Application Process for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the minimum requirements for CEC, including skilled Canadian work experience, language proficiency, and admissibility.

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile

Set up an online profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Your profile will include details such as work history, education, and language test results.

Step 3: Enter the CRS Pool

Once eligible, you will be placed into the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) pool, where you earn points for factors like Canadian work experience, language ability, age, and education.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score meets the cut-off in a CEC or all-program draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency.

Step 5: Submit Your PR Application

After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application with all supporting documents to IRCC.

Step 6: Application Processing

IRCC processes most complete CEC applications in around 6 months, after which successful candidates are granted Canadian permanent residency.

CRS Points & Canadian Experience

Under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), Canadian work experience is one of the most valuable factors for Express Entry candidates applying through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). IRCC awards additional points for skilled Canadian work, as well as combinations with education and language ability.

How Canadian experience impacts CRS points:

• Skilled Work in Canada – Up to 40 CRS points for one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled Canadian work.
• Education + Canadian Work – Additional points are awarded when Canadian work experience is combined with post-secondary education.
• Language Ability + Work Experience – Strong English or French skills, combined with Canadian experience, significantly boost CRS scores.
• French-English Bilingual Bonus – Extra CRS points are granted for candidates who demonstrate proficiency in both official languages.
• Higher Scores for Longer Experience – More than one year of skilled Canadian work can further increase CRS ranking.

Note: This system rewards applicants who have already proven their ability to integrate into Canada’s labour market, giving them a strong advantage in receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Processing Fees for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Applicants under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) must pay standard Express Entry fees set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These fees cover both the application processing and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).

Applicant Type	Fee (CAD)
Principal Applicant (includes RPRF)	$1,365
Spouse or Partner	$1,365
Dependent Child (per child)	$230
Biometrics (per person)	$85
Biometrics (family, 2 or more)	$170

Notes

• The CAD $1,365 for the principal applicant and spouse/partner includes the $850 processing fee and the $515 Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).
• Dependent children do not pay the RPRF; their fee is $230 each.
• Biometrics fees are additional and must be paid at the time of application.
• Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.

Processing Time for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is processed through the Express Entry system, which has one of the fastest timelines among Canadian immigration programs. According to IRCC, most complete applications under Express Entry, including CEC, are finalized in about 6 months from the date a full application is submitted after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Actual processing times may vary depending on factors such as application volume, completeness of documents, and individual background checks (medical, security, or police clearances). Applicants can check the latest published processing times directly on IRCC’s official portal for the most up-to-date estimates.

Exclusions & Limitations for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

While the Canadian Experience Class recognizes skilled Canadian work experience, certain types of work are not eligible. According to IRCC, applicants should be aware of the following exclusions and limitations:

• Work Experience in Quebec – Skilled work completed while living in Quebec does not count toward CEC eligibility, since Quebec manages its own immigration programs separately.
• Unauthorized Work – Any employment done without proper authorization (such as working without a valid work permit) cannot be considered.
• Self-Employment – Work gained through self-employment is generally excluded from CEC eligibility, as the program is intended to recognize employer-employee relationships in the Canadian labour market.
• Work During Full-Time Study – Experience gained while holding full-time student status (e.g., co-op terms or internships) does not count toward the one year of skilled work required.

Note: These restrictions ensure that only legitimate, skilled, and authorized Canadian work experience is considered under the program.

Latest Updates on Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• In early 2025, IRCC also conducted a CEC draw with 1,350 ITAs issued and a CRS cut-off of 542, reflecting the government’s continued focus on in-Canada candidates.
• Under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada has increased targets for skilled worker admissions, with the CEC playing a central role to address labour shortages.
• Recent policy adjustments emphasize more in-Canada draws, targeting candidates with Canadian work experience, French proficiency, and skills in priority occupations.

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