Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration program that allows individuals who have worked in Canada for at least one year to immigrate permanently. CEC is geared primarily for foreign students and foreign workers. CEC may be fastest option for achieving Canadian permanent residence for international graduates.

The government of Canada recognizes the deep pool of talented workers already working in Canada, and wants them to become permanent residents. These are individuals and families who have set down roots and made plans for the future in Canada.

Prior to 2015, Canadian Experience Class applications were managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Since 2015, however, Canadian Experience Class applications are processed under the Express Entry immigration selection system.

Work experience acquired in Canada without valid work authorization will not be considered. Self-employment and work experience gained while you were a full-time student (such as on a co-op work term) doesn’t count under this program.

Eligibility Criteria & Requirements

As of January 1, 2015 foreign nationals will be selected through Express Entry System and must receive invitation before they may apply. Applicants can remain in Canada throughout the application process. However, the Canadian Experience Class is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada, if they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada.

To qualify for the CEC through Express Entry, you must have:

At least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada, in the last three years (before you apply). The work was: full-time OR an equal amount in part-time
Gained your work experience in Canada with the proper authorization
Take approved language test and meet minimum requirements
Planned to live outside the province of Quebec

New changes in National Occupational Classification (NOC)

The National Occupational Classification (NOC), 2021 is getting updated from NOC 2016 levels. The sill type and skill level structures which were around 4 digits are now it is getting replaced with a 6-category system. The 4-digit NOC codes and occupation codes are going to become 5-digit codes. The eligibility criteria will also get updated for all the programs.

New TEER categories

The programs that use NOC skill type or the skill level structures are going to use TEER categories.

Most of the jobs are going to stay in the TEER category which is equivalent to the skill level listed in the table below.
There are chances that some of the jobs might move to a different TEER category.
The Skill level B jobs might come under TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs.
Check if your occupation is listed under the NOC 2021 list and then you can learn in which TEER category your occupation is listed.

Skill type or level	TEER category
Skill type 0	TEER 0
Skill level A	TEER 1
Skill level B	TEER 2 and TEER 3
Skill level C	TEER 4
Skill level D	TEER 5

TEER categories and examples of jobs

TEER	Occupation types	Examples
TEER 0	Management occupations	Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
Financial managers	Management occupations	Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
TEER 1	Occupations that usually require a university degree	Financial advisors
Software engineers	Occupations that usually require a university degree	Financial advisors
TEER 2	Occupations that usually require	Computer network and web technicians
•	a college diploma
•	apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or
•	supervisory occupations
Medical laboratory technologists	supervisory occupations
TEER 3	Occupations that usually require	Bakers
•	a college diploma
•	apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or
•	more than 6 months of on-the-job training
Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants	more than 6 months of on-the-job training
TEER 4	Occupations that usually require	Home child care providers
•	a high school diploma, or
•	several weeks of on-the-job training
Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers	several weeks of on-the-job training
TEER 5	Occupations that usually need short-term work demonstration and no formal education	Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers
Delivery service drivers and door-to-door distributors		Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers

Your experience must be at least

12 months of full-time work: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours), OR
Equal amount in part-time hours, such as:
15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
30 hours/week for 12 months at more than one job = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
If you your experience doesn’t meet the duty and job description requirements set in the NOC, IRCC may not accept your application.