Canadian Immigration | Practical Guide
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Express Entry Immigration Pathway
What Is the Canadian Experience Class?
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three programs managed under Express Entry, designed for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.
It is ideal for:
- Temporary foreign workers
- Post-graduate work permit holders
- International graduates with 1+ year of Canadian work experience
Note: No job offer, LMIA, or Canadian education is required, but work experience must be:
- Full-time (or equivalent in part-time)
- Paid (volunteer/unpaid work doesn’t count)
- In NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Work Experience | At least 1 year (12 months) full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work in Canada in the last 3 years |
| Language Ability | CLB 7 (for TEER 0 or 1 jobs) or CLB 5 (for TEER 2 or 3) – via IELTS or CELPIP |
| Location | Must plan to live outside Quebec |
| Legal Status | Must have been in Canada with legal status while working |
How to Apply
- Get your language test results (IELTS or CELPIP)
- Create an Express Entry profile under CEC
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on CRS score
- Submit your complete PR application with documents
- Receive Confirmation of PR (COPR) if approved
Note: You must still qualify and compete via the CRS system. High scores increase chances of selection.
Processing Times (2025 Estimates)
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Profile creation to ITA | Varies by CRS cut-off (0–6 months) |
| After ITA: PR Application | ~6 months (IRCC standard) |
| Total Timeline | 6–12 months |
Government Fees (IRCC)
| Fee Type | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (per adult) | $850 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $515 |
| Biometrics (per applicant) | $85 |
| Medical Exam (approx.) | $250 |
| Police Certificates | Varies by country |
| Total IRCC Fees | ~$1,450+ |
Immigration Consultant Agency Fees (Typical in 2025)
| Service | Typical Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile Creation | $300 – $700 |
| CEC PR Application (Full Service) | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Government Form Filling Only | $500 – $1,000 |
| Post-ITA Document Preparation | $800 – $1,500 |
Example – Lawseph & Associates Inc.:
- Full-service processing: $2,500–$3,000 CAD
- Installment plan: 5 x $500
- IRCC and biometric fees not included
Why Hire an Immigration Consultant?
- Increases chance of approval
- Avoids errors or incomplete documentation
- Support with refusal reapplications
- Access to custom letters of explanation
- Professional document checklists
Why Choose the CEC Program?
- Faster PR pathway (no LMIA/job offer required)
- Higher CRS scores from Canadian work/study history
- Often prioritized in Express Entry draws
Apply for Your CEC with Expert Guidance
