Canadian Experience Class: Turning Canadian Work Experience into Permanent Residence
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the Express Entry program for people who have already worked in Canada. It suits international graduates on a post-graduation work permit, workers on employer-specific permits, and others whose Canadian experience is recent and skilled.
Minimum requirements
Work experience. You need at least one year of skilled work in Canada within the three years before you apply. That means 12 months full-time, or an equal amount of part-time work, which works out to 1,560 hours. Part-time jobs can be combined.
Skill level. The work must fall in NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3. Jobs in TEER 4 and 5 do not count.
Authorization. You must have been legally authorized to work in Canada while doing the job.
Language. You must take an approved test in English or French and meet the minimum in all four abilities: CLB 7 if most of your experience is in a TEER 0 or 1 job, and CLB 5 if it is in a TEER 2 or 3 job.
Education. None is required, though your education can earn CRS points.
Job offer and funds. You do not need a job offer, and you do not need to show proof of funds.
Where you plan to live. Outside Quebec.
What does not count
- Self-employment. Work as a self-employed person does not count toward the minimum.
- Full-time study. Work done while you were a full-time student does not count, even during a co-op term.
- Work outside Canada. Experience must have been gained inside Canada. Remote work counts only if you were physically in Canada working for a Canadian employer.
- A narrow exception: IRCC now counts certain publicly funded medical services work, such as fee-for-service physician work, as Canadian experience.
Your job must match the official description
IRCC compares what you actually did with the National Occupational Classification (NOC). Your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties of the occupation you choose. A job title alone is not enough, so your reference letters should describe your real duties in detail. Choosing the wrong NOC is one of the most common causes of delays and refusals.
How the CEC fits into Express Entry
Meeting the minimum only puts you in the pool. Your rank comes from your CRS score, which rewards language ability, Canadian experience, education, age and other factors. In 2026, IRCC has held rounds limited to CEC candidates, but they are not guaranteed, and the cut-off changes every round. Learn more in our CRS guide.
Ways candidates strengthen a CEC profile
- Retake the language test for higher scores, since language is one of the largest sources of points.
- Add more qualifying Canadian work experience.
- Check whether you qualify for a category-based round, such as French-language, healthcare, or trades.
- Look at provincial nomination options if your score is low.
Get help from a licensed consultant
I can review your work history, help you choose the correct NOC, check your reference letters, and prepare your profile and application. No one can guarantee an invitation or an approval.
Frequently asked questions
Does my post-graduation work permit count? Yes, if the work was paid, skilled (TEER 0 to 3) and authorized. Work on an open work permit counts the same as work on an employer-specific one.
I worked part-time. Can I still qualify? Yes, if your part-time hours add up to the equivalent of one year of full-time work within the last three years.
Do I need an Educational Credential Assessment? Not to meet the CEC minimum. An assessment is only needed if you want points for education earned outside Canada.
Can I use work I did in Canada as a student? Not for the minimum requirements. Work done as a full-time student does not count, though other work outside your studies may.
Are the rules likely to change? Express Entry rules change from time to time, so check IRCC's current requirements before applying.
Sources: IRCC, Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class; Express Entry: Who can apply.
This page is general information, not legal advice on your situation.