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Canadian Experience Class

Canadian Experience Class 

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a popular immigration program designed for individuals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada and wish to become permanent residents. This program is part of Canada's Express Entry system, a fast-track method for immigration that prioritizes skilled workers.

Canadian Experience Class

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The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a popular immigration program designed to provide a pathway to permanent residence for individuals who have gained valuable work experience in Canada. As part of the economic immigration programs managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the CEC recognizes the contributions and potential of skilled workers who have already integrated into the Canadian labor market. In this section, we will delve into the details of the Canadian Experience Class, its eligibility criteria, application process, and the benefits it offers to applicants.

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How does the Canadian Experience Class work?

 

Eligible candidates are able to submit an Express Entry profile for the Canadian Experience Class program. However, all applicants must meet Canada’s basic admissibility requirements. Before you apply, please make sure that you have no previous criminals charges that may make you inadmissible to Canada.

 

The most notable factor while applying through the CEC program is that candidates do not need to wait for a long duration to get the results of their application. CEC applications are usually processed within 3-4 months. Also, since such applicants are already inside Canada and have been working as a skilled professional, there is minimal paper-work and they are not required to show any proof of funds.

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Benefits of the Canadian Experience Class

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The Canadian Experience Class offers several benefits to successful applicants, including:

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  1. Pathway to Permanent Residence: The CEC provides a direct pathway to Canadian permanent residence for individuals who have gained valuable work experience in the country.

  2. Canadian Work Experience: By working in Canada before applying for permanent residence, individuals can develop valuable Canadian work experience, which enhances their employability in the Canadian labor market.

  3. Integration into Canadian Society: Through their work experience, CEC applicants have already integrated into Canadian society, making the transition to permanent residence smoother.

  4. Access to Social Benefits: As permanent residents, CEC applicants gain access to various social benefits, including healthcare coverage and social assistance programs.

  5. Opportunities for Family Sponsorship: Permanent residents under the CEC can sponsor eligible family members for Canadian immigration, promoting family reunification.

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Minimum Eligibility Requirements for the Canadian Experience Class

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To apply for the Canadian Experience Class, there are several minimum requirements that you must meet. These include:

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  1. You must be admissible to Canada.

  2. You must have gained at least 12 months of full-time (or an equivalent in part-time) skilled work experience in Canada, with proper authorization, within three years before you apply.

  3. You must meet the required language levels needed for your job in English or French.

  4. You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec.

 

It's important to note that any work experience gained while you were self-employed or a full-time student does not count towards the CEC requirements.

 

Skilled Work Experience Requirements for Canadian Experience Class

 

The Canadian Experience Class requires applicants to have skilled work experience. This experience must be in one of the following job types:

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  1. Managerial jobs

  2. Professional jobs 

  3. Skilled trades and Technical jobs 

 

The minimum requirement for full-time work is 30 hours per week for 12 months. However, equivalent part-time work is also accepted.

 

Language Ability Requirements for Canadian Experience Class

 

Language proficiency is a key requirement for the Canadian Experience Class. Applicants must take a language test approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). This test will assess your abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English or French.

 

Education Requirements for Canadian Experience Class

 

While there is no set educational requirement for the Canadian Experience Class, having a Canadian high school or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree can earn you additional points under the Express Entry system. Alternatively, a completed foreign credential and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an agency approved by CIC can also earn you points.

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Please Note (source Canada.ca):

  1. Work experience gained through self-employment and work experience gained as a full-time student are not eligible under CEC. 

  2. Your skilled work experience must be paid work including paid wages or earned commission. Any volunteer work or unpaid internships will not be counted as work experience. 

  3. Your part-time work can be more or less than 15 hours/week as long as it adds up to 1,560 hours. You can work more than  1 part-time job to get the hours you need to apply.

  4. Anything above 30 hours/week will not be counted as qualifiable work experience.

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Application Process for the Canadian Experience Class

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The application process for the Canadian Experience Class involves several steps that applicants need to follow diligently. Here is an overview of the application process:

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1. Gather Required Documents

Before starting the application, gather all the necessary documents, including proof of work experience, language test results, educational credentials, and identification documents.

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2. Create an Online Profile

Create an online profile through the IRCC's Express Entry system. Provide accurate and up-to-date information about your work experience, language proficiency, education, and other relevant details.

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3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Candidates with a competitive profile will be entered into the Express Entry pool. If you meet the criteria, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during one of the regular draws conducted by IRCC.

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4. Submit the Application for Permanent Residence

Once you receive the ITA, you will have a specific timeframe to submit your application for permanent residence. Ensure that all required documents are included and that the application is completed accurately.

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5. Medical Examinations and Security Checks

Upon submitting the application, you will be required to undergo medical examinations to ensure you meet the health requirements. Security checks will also be conducted to assess admissibility to Canada.

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6. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. This document confirms your status as a permanent resident of Canada.

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7. Travel to Canada and Activate Permanent Residence

Once you have the COPR, you can make arrangements to travel to Canada and activate your permanent residence. You will be required to present your COPR to the immigration officer at the port of entry.

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Can I apply under the Canadian Experience Class from outside Canada?

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You can either apply from with in Canada provided you have a legal status to remain in Canada while waiting for the outcome of your application or you can apply from outside Canada, provided that you submitted your application within three years of leaving your job in Canada. 

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Can I apply under CEC even if I do not have sufficient CRS points?

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Based on the information you provide, you will be allotted points which will determine your rank in the Express Entry pool. Candidates with higher points are ranked higher and issued ITA's based on the overall cut-off score for the specified program.

Being eligible to apply under the Canadian Experience Class, does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation to apply. 

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​If you do not have enough points to make the cut-off there are factors that award you more points to improve your ranking. These are (but not limited to):

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  • Previous education in Canada - Canadian degrees, diplomas or certificates 

  • Prior work experience in Canada or a future (valid) job offer from a Canadian employer.

  • Relatives in Canada who are citizens or permanent residents.

  • a nomination from a province or territory, etc..

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How long does it take to process Canadian Express Class applications?

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Depending on your CRS score, eligible profiles are usually processed within 3-6 months. If IRCC invites you to apply, then you will have 60 days to submit an online application for permanent residency to Canada.

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What are the funds requirement for Canadian Experience Class?

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The most notable advantage while applying through the Canadian Experience Class is that you do not need to show any Proof of funds to the IRCC. You will not be required to provide any documentation regarding your finances to demonstrate financial support upon obtaining permanent residence.

On what grounds can my express entry application be refused or rejected?

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All applications are based on the information you provided to the IRCC. The onus of proof of authenticity always lies on the applicant. If the immigration officer believes that you have provided incorrect information or have not submitted enough proof to verify your claims, they may ask for addition clarification or reject your application.

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Here are some of the common reasons that your application might be rejected for:

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  1. INELIGIBILITY 

If you do not meet the basic requirements of the program or category you applied for, your application may be denied.

 

 2. MISREPRESENTATION

This is considered a very serious offence with the IRCC. If an applicant is found misrepresenting on their application to immigrate to Canada, they can be deemed inadmissible to Canada. Common examples of misrepresentation are: 

  • Fake documentation - Education, work experience or any other illegitimate documents.

  • Inadmissibility of family members - If 1 or more of your family members are inadmissible to Canada, then you may be charged with misrepresentation and inadmissible.

  •  Marriage of Convenience - Fake marriages just to for Canadian immigration or failure to declare information about your spouse - like divorce, separation or custody of children etc.

 

 3. MEDICAL GROUNDS

Canada's health care system is considered one of the best in the world. And it is paid for by the government. Therefore, if during your medical exams, it is ascertained that your medical condition:

  • is going to affect the overall health of the Canadian citizens OR 

  • result in an excessive demand on the Canadian health care and social services.

 

 4. CRIMINALITY

This is self-explanatory. If you or any other member of your application or family has a criminal background for  which you have not already finished rehabilitation, your application will be denied. Every applicant has to submit a clean criminal record certificate for every country they have lived in for over 6 months since the day they turned 18. 

 

 5. FINANCIAL REASONS

As part of the Visa application process for Canada, every applicant needs to submit proof of financial capability. Failure to do so will result in your application being refused. You need to show that you will be able to support all accompanying or non-accompanying family members as part of your immigration application.

 

 6. INCOMPLETE or INCORRECT DOCUMENTATION

Most applications for Canadian immigration are electronic, yet there are some that are paper based as well. If you are unable to provide the correct documents, complete documents or provide all documents in the time-frame specified, your application may be refused. It is advisable to include all documents provided in the document checklist for every application.

 

 7. TIMELINES

The Canadian immigration department receives thousands of applications for every program. In order to maintain efficiency in evaluation and outcome, it is important that applicants abide by the time lines provided in the application package. Failure to do so will result in delays of refusal. The best practice is to keep all your documents ready before you apply and submit your application for immigration to Canada.

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How Can I Avoid a Canadian Immigration Refusal?

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Refusal or denial can be painful and stressful. Most people think that they know what they're doing and will do it right. Not all of them can actually claim that they will not make a mistake. Immigration applications to Canada are a 1-time opportunity. A mistake can lead to irreparable damage to your profile. Therefore, you may want to consider hiring a professional immigration consultant who has the knowledge and expertise in matters of Canadian immigration laws. 

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Contact us now to connect with our Regulated Canadian  Immigration Consultant (RCIC) now.

  • What are the Language Requirements for Express Entry to Canada?
    To be eligible for Express Entry, you must prove your English or French language ability: take an approved language test (IELTS - G or CELPIP-G) get the minimum results required by your program include the results when you complete your Express Entry profile First official language Minimum level for all four (Listening, Writing, Speaking, Reading) abilities English - CLB 7 French - NCLC7 Second official language: Minimum level of CLB or NCLC 5.
  • What is a Valid Job offer for Immigration to Canada?
    A valid job offer for Express Entry is one which is: full-time and non-seasonal, for at least one year, in a skilled job listed as Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A or B in the 2016 National Occupational Classification. is supported by a positive LMIA from the ESDC. A job offer must be in writing, and must set out details of the job they are offering you, such as: your pay and deductions your job duties conditions of employment, like your hours of work.
  • If i have a valid job offer, how many additional points do i get?"
    The points can range from an additional 50–200 points, depending on the type of job offer you receive.
  • Can i make changes to my Express Entry Profile?
    If your profile was found eligible for the pool, you can still update it after you’ve submitted it. On the other hand, if your profile is found ineligible, you won’t be able to make changes to your profile. You’ll have to create a new profile. Be sure to do so if your circumstances have changed and you now have enough points to qualify.
  • Do I need a job offer for Express Entry?
    You do not require a job offer for Express Entry. Additional points for job offers are only awarded to candidates who have a valid and positive LMIA based job offer from an approved Canadian employer. Simply having a job offer won't gain you any additional points. It needs to be LMIA approved.
  • What is the fee requirement to apply for Express Entry for Canada?
    Language tests: Average cost – $300 per test. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Average cost – $200 Biometrics: $85 per person Government fees: $1,325 per adult & $225 per child Medical examination fees: average cost – $450 per adult & $250 per child Police clearance certificates varies with country of residence. You need to provide police clearance certificates for all countries where you have resided for more than 6 months since turning 18 years of age.
  • How many points do I need to immigrate to Canada through express entry?
    You need to score a minimum of 67 points to be eligible to apply through the Express Entry system for permanent immigration to Canada.
  • What is the age limit to apply for permanent residence in Canada?
    There is no specific age limit requirement for any Canadian immigration program.If you are between 25-35 years of age, you score maximum points for that selection factor. Once you cross that age, you start to lose points in the selection factors.
  • Can I have 2 express entry profiles?
    No, you cannot have two Express Entry applications for the same applicant at the same time. However, if you are married, you can submit an application under your spouse if they are eligible.
  • Is ielts mandatory for spouse in express entry?
    A language test report for your spouse is a not mandatory requirement while submitting express entry application. However, your spouse's language skills can earn your additional points.
  • How long is my IELTS test result valid for Canadian immigration purposes?
    Your language test results are valid for 2 years after the date of the test result. If your results expire before you submit your application, you should take the test again.
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