The canadian experience class

The Canada Experience Class migration stream is for temporary foreign workers and International students who are looking to migrate to Canada to obtain Permanent Residence. The ideal candidate would have already obtained Canadian work experience and settled into Canadian society and community life.

The experience class applications are processed through the express entry stream. The express entry system allows the IRCC to invite eligible candidates to apply for Permanent Residence to Canada. Candidates first need to submit an expression of interest by creating an online express entry profile and are scored alongside other candidates in the express entry pool; ranked under the comprehensive ranking system (CRS). The highest scoring candidates will receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. You will have 60 days from the time of receiving the ITA to submit your application for permanent residence.

Eligibility requirements:

• At least one year of skilled, professional or technical work experience in Canada in the 3 years immediately prior to applying for the visa. The job needs to be listed on the Canadian National Occupation Classification list under one of the following skill types – A, B or 0.
• Meet the minimum Canadian Language requirement of CLB 5 for Skill level B jobs, or CLB 7 for Skill level 0 and A jobs on the NOC code. (The language test is valid for 2 years)
• International students must be on a post-graduate work permit, at the time of application and have completed a minimum of one year in a skilled, professional or technical field of study.
• Cannot live or work in the province of Quebec (As Quebec has their own experience class stream)

If you meet the above minimum requirements, you will be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool under the Canadian Express class system.

Thing to note:

• Applicants can remain in Canada while a decision is made on the application. This stream is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada, if you submit your application within three years of leaving your job in Canada.
• Work gained as a student (Any part time, volunteering or internship work) does not count as work experience. Neither does self-employment.
• This path is probably the quickest and easiest method for International students in Canada to gain Permanent Residency. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration program that allows individuals who have worked in Canada for at least one year to immigrate permanently.

Steps to apply

1. Obtain/ Hold a Canadian work permit, must have completed a year of work in Canada and ensure other eligibility criteria are met (Language tests etc)
2. Create an Express Entry profile
3. Improve your CRS ranking ( Earn an additional 600 points): Complete additional work experience or see if you are eligible to apply under one of the Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program streams ( Especially in the province in which you worked). Your experience and skills may be in demand in the province.
4. Receive an invitation to apply: You will have 60 days to submit a complete application. If your work permit is about to expire within the next four months, you can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit.
5. Complete a medical and provide security checks. You will need to show that you have completed a medical with an IRCC-recognized panel physician, and provided a police background check from each country that you have lived in for at least 6 months since turning age 18.
6. Submit an e-application: The e-application must be submitted within 60 days of receiving an ITA and include detailed work reference letters from previous employers.
7. Your e-application is reviewed: A Canadian immigration officer will review the submitted e-application and let you know if any additional documentation is required.
8. Receive confirmation of permanent resident status: Applications under the Canadian Experience Class are typically processed within six months. If approved, you will receive a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) document.
9. Get your PR card: Once you have your confirmation status, you may apply for your PR card. If you travel outside Canada, you will need to use this card as proof of your status in Canada.