Canadian Experience Class
For skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.
Last verified: March 1, 2026
Eligibility
Work Experience
- 1+ year of skilled Canadian work experienceAt least 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years. Must be in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.Source (opens in new tab)
- Work must be paidSelf-employment, volunteer work, and unpaid internships do not count toward the experience requirement.
Language
- CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 occupationsMinimum Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) for managerial or professional occupations.Source (opens in new tab)
- CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 occupationsMinimum Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in all four abilities for technical and skilled trades occupations.
- Valid language test requiredMust take an IRCC-approved language test: IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General for English, TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. Results valid for 2 years.
Education
- No minimum education requirementThere is no education requirement for CEC eligibility, but higher education awards more CRS points for Express Entry ranking.
Admissibility
- Must be admissible to CanadaMust pass medical, security, and criminal background checks. Must not have an unresolved removal order.
Required Documents
Identity
- Valid passport or travel documentRequired
- Two passport-sized photosRequired
- National identity card (if applicable)Optional
Education
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)OptionalSource (opens in new tab)
- Transcripts and diplomasOptional
Language
- IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada resultsRequiredSource (opens in new tab)
Work
- Reference letters from Canadian employersRequiredSource (opens in new tab)
- Pay stubs or T4 slipsRequired
- Employment contractsOptional
Other
- Police clearance certificatesRequired
- Medical exam results (from panel physician)Required
- Proof of fundsOptionalSource (opens in new tab)
Compare Programs
| Program | FSW | CEC | FST | AIP | RNIP | SUV | Self-Emp | Spouse | PGP | Child | Other Fam | Study | WP LMIA | OWP | Visitor | Super Visa | Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Work experience, language ability, education | Canadian work experience, language ability | Trade qualification, work experience, language ability | Job offer from designated Atlantic employer, work experience | Job offer in participating community, work experience | Letter of support from designated organization, language ability, settlement funds | Relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, willingness to be self-employed | Canadian citizen or PR, genuine relationship | Meet minimum income requirement, Canadian citizen or PR | Canadian citizen or PR, child meets dependency criteria | No other sponsorable relatives, Canadian citizen or PR | Acceptance letter from DLI, proof of funds, no criminal record | Job offer, positive LMIA, qualifications for the job | Eligibility depends on category (PGWP, spousal, vulnerable worker) | Valid passport, ties to home country, sufficient funds | Child/grandchild in Canada, medical insurance, financial support letter | PR status, physical presence, language ability, tax filing |
| Processing Time | ~7 months | ~7 months | N/A | ~33 months | N/A | 10+ years | 10+ years | ~21 months | ~35 months | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ~14 months |
| Express Entry | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Official Resources
Information on this page is for reference only. Always verify details on the official IRCC website before making immigration decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
CEC applications processed through Express Entry typically take about 6 months after submission of a complete application. IRCC aims to process 80% of Express Entry applications within this service standard, though individual cases may vary based on complexity.
CEC requires a minimum of CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark 7) in all four abilities for TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 occupations. You must take an IRCC-approved test such as IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada.
The main government fees for a CEC application are $1,365 (processing fee) plus $575 (right of permanent residence fee) and $85 (biometrics). Additional costs include language testing (~$320) and medical exams (~$250). The total government fees are approximately $2,025 per applicant.