The Canadian Experience Class exists because the best evidence someone will succeed in Canada is that they already are. If you've worked legally in Canada for a year in a skilled job, the CEC is usually your cleanest run at permanent residence.

The core requirements

  • One year of skilled Canadian work — 1,560 hours (12 months of full-time or the equivalent part-time), completed within the last three years, in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
  • Legal status while working — the experience must have been gained on valid authorization; hours worked without status don't count
  • Language: CLB 7 for TEER 0–1 occupations, CLB 5 for TEER 2–3
  • No settlement-funds requirement — unlike FSW, the CEC assumes you're already established

What work counts — and what doesn't

Full-time, part-time (accumulated), and multiple employers all count if the occupations are skilled. What doesn't: self-employment, full-time work during full-time study (co-op experience is excluded), and hours beyond what your permit authorized. The classic heartbreak case is a worker whose duties were skilled but whose reference letter describes them like a lower TEER role — duties on paper decide your NOC, not your job title. Our NOC mistakes guide covers this in depth.

PGWP holders: the CEC was practically designed for you — study, graduate, work a year on the PGWP, apply. Watch your permit expiry against your 12-month mark and bridge if needed.

CEC inside Express Entry

CEC candidates enter the same pool and CRS scoring as everyone else — but Canadian experience earns points twice (directly, and through transferability combinations), and IRCC has periodically run CEC-specific draws. Processing after an ITA is typically among the fastest of any PR category because your history is already in Canadian systems.

FAQ

My work permit is expiring before I can apply — options?

If your PR application reaches the right stage, a Bridging Open Work Permit keeps you working. Timing this correctly is exactly the kind of thing to get professional eyes on early.

Does experience from years ago count?

Only the last three years count toward the CEC requirement. Older Canadian experience still helps your CRS score.

Working in Canada Right Now?

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This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Program requirements, fees, and IRCC policies change without notice. Always consult a licensed Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer before applying. Mirus Immigration consultants are registered members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). No guarantee of immigration outcomes is expressed or implied.