Canadian Experience Class 2025 Guide
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an Express Entry-managed pathway for skilled workers with Canadian work experience who want to become permanent residents. It targets those who have already adapted to life and the labour market in Canada, offering a faster route to PR without the need for foreign-education assessments. Applicants benefit from clear, streamlined online profiles, regular draws from the candidate pool and a standard six-month target for 80 % of complete applications
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the CEC, you must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Canadian skilled work experience
• Minimum 1 year (1,560 hrs) of paid, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work in Canada, in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations, within the 3 years before you apply
2. Work authorization
Experience must be gained while legally authorized to work under temporary resident status.
3. Language Proficiency
CLB 7 (or NCLC 7) for TEER 0/1 jobs, and CLB 5 (or NCLC 5) for TEER 2/3 jobs, proven via an approved test less than 2 years old
4. Admissibility
Be admissible to Canada (no unresolved criminal, security or medical issues).
5. Provincial intent
Plan to live outside Quebec (Quebec has its own skilled-worker program)
How Does the Application Process Work?
The application process for the Canadian Experience Class is straightforward
1. Check your eligibility
Review CEC requirements on the IRCC website to confirm you meet work, language and admissibility criteria
2. Gather your documents
Prepare digital copies of:
Passport/travel document
Language test results (CELPIP-G, IELTS G, TEF Canada, etc.)
Reference letters proving work experience (job title, duties, NOC code, hours)
Police certificates
Provincial nomination (if applicable)
3. Create your Express Entry profile
Sign in at Canada.ca/express-entry, complete all sections and submit your profile to enter the candidate pool
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC conducts regular draws; if your CRS score is high enough, you’ll get an ITA valid for 60 days
5. Apply for permanent residence
Within 60 days of your ITA: fill out the PR application form, upload supporting documents and pay fees online, then click “Submit”
6. Provide biometrics and medical exam
After submission, you’ll be asked to give biometrics (within 30 days) and complete a medical exam; track your status in your IRCC account
Application Fee and Processing Time
Permanent residence fees:
Processing fee: CAD 950
Right of Permanent Residence fee: CAD 575
Total: CAD 1,525 for the principal applicant
Biometrics: CAD 85 per person
IRCC processing target: 6 months for 80 % of Express Entry applications
Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- Education Credential Assessment
- Language Test Results
- Proof of Work Experience
- Endorsement Certificate From an Atlantic Province
- Proof of Settlement Funds
Official Application Page
For detailed information and to start your application process, visit the official;
🔗 Canadian Experience Class – IRCC canada.ca
🔗 Apply for Permanent Residence – Express Entry canada.ca
🔗 Get Your Documents Ready canada.ca
🔗 Check Processing Times canada.ca
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Canadian Experience Class?
A PR pathway for skilled workers with at least one year of Canadian work experience in TEER 0–3 occupations
How much work experience is required?
You need 1 year (1,560 hrs) of paid, full-time (or equivalent) work in Canada within the past 3 years
What language scores do I need?
CLB 7 for TEER 0/1 roles; CLB 5 for TEER 2/3 roles, valid within 2 years
Do I need an Educational Credential Assessment?
No—CEC has no education requirement, though you can still earn CRS points for foreign or Canadian credentials.
How much does it cost to apply?
The principal applicant pays CAD 1,525 in IRCC fees, plus CAD 85 for biometrics
How long will it take?
IRCC aims to decide 80 % of Express Entry PR applications within 6 months
