Canadian Experience Class Immigration Lawyers in Vancouver, BC

Canada welcomes skilled immigrant workers to augment our national labor pool, which is decreasing due to an aging population and low birth rate. There are three Express Entry programs that invite foreign workers into Canada:

• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Canadian Experience Class

Let’s focus on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). CEC predates the Express Entry programs although since 2015, it is managed through the Express Entry process. Enacted in 2008, CEC offers a proven pathway for foreign workers and international graduates who have already worked in Canada and who want to transition to permanent residence.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for the Canadian Experience Class

The eligibility criteria for the CEC begins with a preliminary assessment:

• Securing at least one year of skilled, professional, or technical work experience in Canada within 36 months of the application date; and
• Meet or surpass a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 (“initial intermediate”) for NOC B jobs or CLB 7 (“adequate intermediate proficiency”), for NOC skill level 0 or A jobs.
• Plan to live and work in any province except for Quebec (individuals with work experience in Quebec and who plan to reside in Quebec may apply to the Quebec Experience Class).

That one year of work experience is defined as at least 1560 hours of skilled work in Canada, accrued through full-time and/or part-time work. However, self-employment or work experience while enrolled as a full-time student does not count under the CEC.

Applicants can remain in Canada throughout the application process. The CEC is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada, with the caveat that they submit their application within 3 years of leaving their employment in Canada.

The CEC 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.

International student eligibility: Graduation from an eligible educational program in Canada opens the door to permanent residence immigration status. The advantage is that your application will be fast-tracked through the Express Entry program. To become eligible for international student status, you must:

• Graduate from an educational program at a qualified Canadian learning institution.
• Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada agency.
• Once you have received your Post-Graduation Work Permit, complete 1560 hours of Canadian work experience in a NOC 0, A or B job. Level 0 means that you are employed in a management occupation. A or B means that this position usually requires university education (A) or usually requires college education or an apprenticeship training (B).
• Take an English or French language proficiency test through a designated test provider. You must earn a Canadian Language Benchmark score of 7 for a NOC 0 and A work experience and a score of 5 for NOC B work experience.
• Apply to the Express Entry pool, which will fast-track your application with a determination within 6 months.

Temporary foreign worker eligibility: Eligibility for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class program is also available to temporary foreign workers who follow these procedures:

• Secure a Canadian work permit.
• Work at least 1560 hours in a NOC 0, A or B job.
• Take an English or French language proficiency test through a designated test provider. You must earn a Canadian Language Benchmark score of 7 for a NOC 0 and A work experience and a score of 5 for NOC B work experience.
• Apply to the Express Entry pool to secure an invitation to apply. If secured, the IRCC will process your application within 6 months as part of the Express Entry program.

Canadian Experience Class Requirements

Careful examination of your 12 months of Canadian work experience is part of the evaluation process. To qualify:

• Your work experience must be completed within 36 months prior to the date of application for permanent residence.
• Your work experience must fall within the NOC Code Skill Level 0, A or B. Level 0 means that you are employed in a management occupation. A or B means that this position usually requires university education (A), or usually requires college education or an apprenticeship training (B).
• Your employment was lawfully obtained, paid work experience in Canada.

How to Calculate Your Canadian Experience Class CRS Points?

The minimum score of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) required for an invitation to apply for permanent status changes every period, and has ranged in recent years from a historic low of 75 in February 2021 to 468 in 2020. The CRS is calculated by allotting points for one’s age, language ability, work experience, education, and ties to Canada.

A skilled and experienced immigration lawyer understands the nuances of the CRS assessment process and can help you to increase your points. That’s an advantage to using legal counsel during the application process.

Can I Apply to the Canadian Experience Class Program From Outside of Canada?

Yes, you may apply so long as your Canadian work experience was completed within 36 months of your application for permanent residence status. In addition, you must fulfil the other eligibility requirements: at least 1560 hours of legally obtained, skilled managerial type of work; language proficiency; and you were paid for your Canadian work experience.

Is Proof of Funds Required for Canadian Experience Class?

Proof of funds is not a requirement for Canadian Experience Class.

Does Internship Experience in Canada Count Towards a Canadian Experience Class Application?

Remember that the work performed must be paid employment. Only a paid internship that is not a part of your education requirements counts towards the requisite 1560 hours of Canadian employment.

Begin Your Canadian Class Experience Application Now With Trusted Immigration Counsel

If you are seeking permanent resident status through the Canadian Experience Class program, you can trust the knowledge and experience of Canadian Currents Immigration to guide you through the process. Although the application to create an Express Entry profile is free, the requirements for completing a successful application for the Canadian Experience Class can be daunting. With the aid of an experienced immigration lawyer at Canadian Currents Immigration, you can apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Class Experience program once we determine your eligibility.

Our immigration lawyers at Canadian Currents Immigration will review your status to determine your eligibility for the Canadian Class Experience program.

Start with a confidential 30-minute consultation with a Canadian Currents Immigration immigration lawyer in Vancouver.

Call us now to book a time: 778-331-1164.