The Canadian Express Class (CEC) was established in 2008 as a way for Canada to retain foreign skilled workers and foreign students. It opens the door to Canada for some would-be immigrants who have acquired Canadian work experience. It was felt that applicants with work experience in Canada would be able to join the Canadian workforce quickly.

To qualify in the CEC, applicants must meet the criteria:

• Have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before applying,
• Have gained their experience in Canada with the proper authorization (e.g., with a work permit)
• Meet the required language levels needed for their job for each language ability (speaking, reading, writing and listening),

Please note that self-employment and work experience gained while being a full-time student (for example, on a co-op work term) does not count under this program.

Skilled Work Experience

To be considered for the Canadian Experience Class, applicants must have Canadian skilled work experience within three years of applying. According to the Canadian National Occupation Classification (NOC), skilled work experience means:

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

Applicants’ experience must be at least 12 months of full-time (30 hours of paid work per week or more) or an equal amount in part-time hours.

Full Time

30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)

Part time

15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours) Or 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than one job = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)

If the applicant’s existing work permit is about to expire and the applicant’s permanent residence application has been submitted, he/she may be eligible for a bridging open work permit. Bridging open work permits allow qualified applicants to keep working while they await a final decision on their permanent residence application.

If you gained your skilled work experience in Canada in a NOC skill type 0 or A, you must meet the minimum level of CLB7 in either English or French for all four language abilities. The minimum International English Language Testing System(IELTS) score requirements are:

For applicants with Canadian work experience of NOC skill type B, you must meet the minimum level of CLB5 in either English or French for all four language abilities. The minimum International English Language Testing System(IELTS) score requirements are:

Our licensed Canadian immigration consultants can speak with you in person, by email or through the phone about your unique immigration situation and give you the best option/route that suites your situation.