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Subclass CECExpress Entry

Canadian Experience Class

Overview

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the Express Entry program for people who already have skilled work experience in Canada. It is the usual PR route after a Post-Graduation Work Permit or another temporary work permit. You need at least one year (1,560 hours) of paid skilled Canadian work in the three years before you apply. There is no education minimum for CEC eligibility, and proof of funds is not required. You still compete in the Express Entry pool on CRS, and IRCC may run CEC-specific invitation rounds.

Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 1 year of paid skilled work in Canada (1,560 hours) in the 3 years before you apply, in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
  • Work must have been gained in Canada while authorized as a temporary resident (remote work counts only if you were physically in Canada for a Canadian employer)
  • You performed the NOC lead-statement actions and most main duties
  • Language: CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 2 or 3
  • Self-employment and work while you were a full-time student (including co-op) generally do not count
  • No education requirement for CEC itself (Canadian credentials or an ECA can still raise your CRS)
  • Be admissible to Canada and plan to live outside Quebec

Application Process

1

Accumulate 1,560 hours of qualifying skilled work on a valid work permit (often a PGWP)

2

Take an approved language test that meets the CLB level for your TEER

3

Create an Express Entry profile and confirm you are eligible under CEC

4

Wait for an invitation in a general, CEC, or category-based round

5

If invited, lodge the permanent residence application with employment, language, and identity evidence

6

Complete medical, police, and biometrics requirements

7

Receive a decision — successful applicants get permanent residence

Processing Time

IRCC service standard is often ~6 months after a complete post-ITA application — pool wait is separate

Based on current DHA estimates

Application Costs

Express Entry profileNo IRCC fee
PR processing + Right of Permanent Residence FeeCheck IRCC fee list
BiometricsCAD $85 (CAD $170 family max)
Language testThird-party — variable

Key Tips

  • Keep employment records (agreements, pay stubs, T4s, reference letters that describe duties) — CEC is evidence-heavy
  • Hours above 30 per week do not accelerate the 1,560-hour requirement
  • Canadian education is not required for CEC but can add CRS points
  • If your CRS is below recent CEC cut-offs, consider a PNP nomination (+600 CRS) or improving language (including French)
  • Quebec work can count if you can show you do not plan to settle in Quebec — Quebec has its own skilled-worker system