The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration category for Canada's foreign workers who wish to become permanent residents.Those who want to obtain Permanent Residence through the Canadian Experience Class must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the three years prior to submitting the application. The experience must have been in Canada and with proper authorization. There are also language skills that will be tested.

The skilled work done in Canada must also meet the NOC or Canadian National Occupational Classifications:

• Managerial jobs (NOC skill level 0);
• Professional jobs (NOC skill type A); or
• Technical jobs and skilled trades (NOC skill type B)

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, provided that they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada.

The Canadian Experience Class requirements are based on a pass or fail model. If the minimum requirements are met, the applicant is eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.

Please Note Self-employment and work experience gained whilst a full-time student (for example, on a co-op work term) does not count under this program.