This program is one of three managed under the Express Entry system. For the other two programs, please go to Sawubona Canada guides for the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
The most important factor making this a distinct pathway to permanent residency is that it is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience. If this does not sound like you, there are two other programs that you may be eligible for as a pathway to permanent residency—the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
What are the minimum requirements to apply for permanent residency through Canadian Experience Class?
The applicant must meet the minimum requirements under:
- Canadian skilled work experience guidelines;
- Language ability guidelines.
Requirement #1: Skilled Work Experience
Skilled work experience means:
- At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada
- Full time: 30 hours per week for 1 year.
- Part time: 15 hours per week for 24 months.
- Full time at more than 1 job: 30 hours per week for 1 year.
- An authorized temporary resident gains the work experience while working in Canada.
- Demonstrate:
- Performance of job according to lead statement, description, and main duties in National Occupation Classification (NOC).
- The work experience must be in either 1 or more of the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories:
- TEER 0
- TEER 1
- TEER 2
- TEER 3
*Find your TEER category on IRCC’s search tool.
- Must be paid work.
- You must not be a refugee claimant, working illegally, or working without temporary resident status.
Requirement #2: Language ability
Language ability means:
- Take a language test recognised by IRCC and meet the score expectations in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Meet the language proficiency requirements outlined by IRCC.
Requirement #3: Education
Education means:
- This could be Canadian or foreign
- If you have been educated in Canada:
- It must be demonstrated through a degree, certificate or diploma;
- At a secondary institution/high school or;
- A post-secondary institution.
- If you have been educated outside Canada, you must meet two requirements:
- You must have a completed educational credential;
- You must have an Educational Credential Assessment for Express Entry.