Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is managed through the Express Entry system. This is a two-stage online process: first, you enter a pool of candidates; second, you are invited to apply for permanent residency based on your profile's score.

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Before starting, ensure you have at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 36 months. This experience must be in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) category of 0, 1, 2, or 3. Note that self-employment and work experience gained while you were a full-time student do not count toward this requirement.

Step 2: Complete Language Testing and Education Assessments

You must take an approved language test (such as IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE Core for English; TEF or TCF for French). Your results must be less than 2 years old.

• For TEER 0 or 1 jobs, you need a minimum CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) of 7.
• For TEER 2 or 3 jobs, you need a minimum CLB of 5.

While the CEC does not require a degree, you should obtain an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) for any foreign education to increase your points in the selection pool.

Step 3: Submit Your Express Entry Profile

Create an account on the IRCC portal and submit your profile. You will be assigned a CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score. You will remain in the pool for up to 12 months or until you receive an invitation.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC holds regular "draws" from the pool. If your score meets the cutoff for a CEC-specific or General draw, you will receive an ITA. In early 2026, IRCC has been frequently issuing ITAs specifically for CEC candidates already in Canada.

Step 5: Submit the Final Application

Once you receive your ITA, you have exactly 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residence. You must upload all supporting documents, including:

• Reference letters from Canadian employers, T4 tax slips, and Records of Employment (ROE).
• Police certificates for any country (other than Canada) where you lived for 6+ months since age 18.
• Digital photos and a valid passport.

Step 6: Biometrics and Medical Exams

After submitting, you will receive instructions to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a collection point. You must also undergo a medical exam performed by an IRCC-authorized panel physician (a doctor approved by the Canadian government).

Step 7: Final Decision

If approved, you will receive a COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence). If you are already in Canada, you will typically complete the landing process virtually through an online portal.

Total Estimate: Approximately $1,610 CAD for a single applicant (including RPRF and Biometrics).

Does not include: Costs for language testing (approx. $300), Educational Credential Assessment (approx. $200–$300), medical exams (approx. $250–$500), or police certificates.

• Express Entry Profile: Active for 12 months until an ITA is received or the profile expires.
• Application Submission Window: 60 days from the date you receive your ITA.
• IRCC Processing: The official service standard is 6 months. As of March 2026, many CEC cases are being finalized within 3 to 5 months because applicants are already residing in Canada.
• Document Validity: Language test results must be valid for the entire duration of the application process. Medical results are typically valid for 12 months.