Experience the PR Route: How the Canadian Experience Class Favors International Graduates

Are you an international student who has recently earned a degree from a Canadian university? Do you aspire to build your career and life in Canada? You’re in for a treat! The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is your golden ticket to Canadian permanent residence, tailor-made for international graduates. This program offers a streamlined path to permanent residency, opening doors to job opportunities, healthcare coverage, and various benefits that set it apart from other immigration routes. In this blog post, we will delve into how the Canadian Experience Class favors international graduates, the application process, and the myriad advantages of holding permanent residency in the Great White North.

Unpacking the Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a specialized visa category catering to foreign workers with prior work experience in Canada. It particularly appeals to international graduates and foreign workers eyeing Canadian permanent residency. Established in 2008, the CEC operates within Canada’s Express Entry system, which falls under the jurisdiction of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

This program targets highly educated and skilled foreign workers already employed in Canada on a temporary basis. It acknowledges their integration into the Canadian labor market, valuable work experience accumulation, and adaptation to Canadian culture. These attributes make them valuable contributors to the Canadian economy and society, making the transition from temporary to permanent residency remarkably smooth.

By focusing on individuals who have demonstrated their skills and commitment through work experience in Canada, the Canadian Experience Class provides an efficient pathway to permanent residency. It acknowledges the significance of their Canadian work experience and aims to retain this talent within the country. With the CEC, international graduates can leverage their Canadian education and work experience to forge a successful career and establish themselves as invaluable contributors to the Canadian economy.

The Advantages of Embracing the Canadian Experience Class

Fast-Track to Permanent Residency: The CEC offers a fast-track option for foreign workers with prior Canadian work experience, circumventing the lengthy procedures that other immigration pathways entail. This expedites the process of obtaining permanent residency significantly.

Higher Employability and Earnings: Research indicates that CEC applicants are more likely to secure employment and command higher salaries compared to other immigrants. Their proven skills and adaptability in the Canadian job market make them highly desirable to employers.

Enhanced Express Entry Ranking: CEC candidates often score more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points under the Express Entry system, influencing their position in the Express Entry pool. Higher scores elevate their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Exemption from Settlement Funds: Unlike alternative immigration routes, CEC applicants are not required to demonstrate possession of settlement funds to obtain permanent residency. This alleviates a significant financial burden for applicants.

Rapid Permanent Residency Acquisition: CEC candidates typically secure permanent residency status within six months. This means they can establish their lives and careers in Canada without the uncertainties and constraints of temporary status.

Who Qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class?

Eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) hinges on meeting specific requirements outlined by the IRCC. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:

1. Work Experience: Applicants must boast a minimum of one year of full-time work experience in Canada within the past three years. Part-time work can also be considered, provided it equates to one year of full-time work. This work experience must fall under a skilled occupation as per the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
2. Language Proficiency: Applicants must satisfy the prescribed language requirements for their job category, as dictated by the IRCC. This entails demonstrating proficiency in English or French through a recognized language test like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
3. Residency Intention: The CEC exclusively applies to those intending to reside outside Quebec. Quebec maintains its own distinct immigration programs and prerequisites.
4. Admissibility: Applicants must meet the criteria for admissibility to Canada, which entails maintaining a clean criminal record and not posing a security threat to the country. Any criminal convictions or security concerns may lead to application rejection.
5. Educational Background: While there isn’t a specific education requirement for the CEC, obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from recognized assessment authorities can augment one’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score under the Express Entry system.

Navigating the Canadian Experience Class Application Process

Applying for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) can be accomplished through two routes: as a temporary foreign worker or an international student.

Applying as a Temporary Foreign Worker

For aspiring CEC candidates pursuing the path of a temporary foreign worker, adhering to specific requirements and following a structured process is imperative. Here’s a step-by-step guide to facilitate your application journey:

1. Work Experience:

• At least one year of full-time work experience in Canada within the past three years is needed. Part-time work experience is acceptable if it equals one year of full-time work.
• This work experience must pertain to a skilled occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.

2. Language Proficiency:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Minimum language requirements vary depending on your job category, so consult the IRCC’s stipulations.

3. Create an Express Entry Profile:

• To embark on the Canadian Experience Class journey, establish an Express Entry profile online.
• Furnish details pertaining to your age, work history, education, language skills, and other pertinent information.
• Ensure the accurate submission of all required information to enhance your prospects of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

4. Bonus Points for the Canadian Experience Class:

• Eligible CEC candidates receive additional points within the Express Entry system.
• These supplementary points bolster your standing in the Express Entry pool, elevating your chances of securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Applying as an International Student

For international students considering the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the application process closely resembles that of temporary foreign workers, with a few distinctions:

Educational Qualifications: International students must have attained a degree or diploma from a designated Canadian post-secondary institution to qualify.

Post-Graduate Work Permit: A valid post-graduate work permit is a prerequisite for CEC application.

Work Experience: Similar to temporary foreign workers, international students must accrue at least one year of full-time work experience in Canada or its part-time equivalent.

Language Proficiency: Language proficiency must be established through a recognized language test, such as the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), Test d’évaluation de français (TEF), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Express Entry Profile Creation: As with the temporary foreign worker route, international students must create an online Express Entry profile. This involves providing details about age, work experience, education, and language proficiency.

The Cost of Pursuing Canada’s CEC

Applicant/Item	Fee Details
Right of Permanent Residence fee	515 CAD
Principal applicant fee	850 CAD
Spouse application fee	850 CAD
Dependent child application fee	230 CAD

Maximizing the Canadian Experience Class for International Graduates

International students who opt to study in Canada gain a unique advantage when seeking permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This program recognizes the value of work experience accrued by international students during their Canadian academic journey. Upon completing their studies, international students become eligible for a post-study work permit, spanning from 8 months to 3 years.

Should a student accumulate a minimum of one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada under a National Occupational Classification (NOC) category 0, A, or B, encompassing professional, managerial, and technical roles, they qualify to apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class. This pathway is particularly advantageous for international graduates, acknowledging their contributions to the Canadian economy during their studies and offering a streamlined route to permanent residency. 

By leveraging their Canadian education and work experience, international graduates can position themselves as valuable contributors to the Canadian workforce and society. The Canadian Experience Class distinctly favors international graduates by acknowledging their skills and potential. They are provided with a clear path to permanent residency in Canada.

Connect with Immigrationway Today

For expert guidance and comprehensive support with your Canadian Experience Class (CEC) application, reach out to Immigrationway today. Our team of seasoned immigration consultants is at your disposal, ready to facilitate your journey and maximize your chances of success. We offer tailored advice, address your inquiries, and ensure that you possess all the requisite documents and information for a seamless application process. Don’t delay your pursuit of Canadian permanent residency any longer. Contact Immigrationway today and allow us to guide you every step of the way toward realizing your Canadian dream.