Become a Permanent Resident Through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

By Visa Jobs CanadaAugust 14, 2025August 14, 2025Canada Visa & PR Immigration Pathway GuidesCanada immigration, canadian experience class, express entry canada, pr with canadian experience, work in canada

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a fast-track immigration option for skilled workers who have already gained work experience in Canada. It is part of the Express Entry system and rewards applicants who know the Canadian workplace and culture.

🧾 What Type of Visa is the Canadian Experience Class?

This is a permanent residency program under Express Entry. You must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada to qualify.

🏠 What You Get With the Canadian Experience Class

Permanent resident status for you and your family
The right to live and work anywhere in Canada
Access to healthcare, education, and other benefits
A faster pathway to citizenship in the future

⏱️ Canadian Experience Class Processing Time

Most complete applications are processed in under 6 months
You must first receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system

💰 Canadian Experience Class Costs and Fees

CAD $1,525 application fee per adult
CAD $260 per child
CAD $85 biometrics fee per person

Other costs may include language tests, document translations, and medical exams
You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family

✅ Who is Eligible for the Canadian Experience Class?

You must:

Have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years
Have worked legally on a valid work permit
Meet language requirements (usually CLB 5 or 7, depending on the job type)
Plan to live outside Quebec
Not be inadmissible to Canada for health, financial, or legal reasons

📈 How Competitive is the Canadian Experience Class?

CEC applications go through the Express Entry system. This means you are ranked against other candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Your CRS score is based on:

Age
Education
Canadian and international work experience
Language skills in English and/or French
Job offers and provincial nominations (if applicable)

If your CRS score is close to or above the recent cut-off scores, you may be in a strong position to receive an ITA.

👤 Who Should Apply for the Canadian Experience Class?

CEC is a great option if you:

Have already worked in Canada legally
Speak English or French well
Want to stay in Canada permanently
Have a good CRS score or are willing to improve it

⚠️ Who Might Need to Consider Other Options?

This may not be the right path if you:

Do not yet have any work experience in Canada
Have only worked in Canada under an open work permit with no skilled job classification
Have a low CRS score that is below recent draw thresholds
Plan to live in Quebec (Quebec has its own immigration system)

📌 Next Steps for the Canadian Experience Class

Check your CRS score using the online calculator
Take a language test if you haven’t already
Create an Express Entry profile and select CEC as your preferred program
If your score is competitive, wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once invited, submit your application with all required documents

💬 Got Questions About the Canadian Experience Class?

If you want help understanding your eligibility or improving your CRS score, drop your question in the comments below. We’re here to help guide you through the process.