Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a permanent residence pathway for skilled workers who have recent skilled work experience in Canada. It is managed through the Express Entry system and is one of the most common routes used by temporary foreign workers and former international students.

This class is designed for individuals who have already integrated into the Canadian labour market, can demonstrate strong language skills, and intend to reside outside Quebec.

CEC Overview

CEC is for individuals who have:

• at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last 36 months
• temporary resident status during that period of work
• language test results at the required level for their TEER category
• intent to reside outside Quebec

Unlike other programs, CEC does not require proof of settlement funds.

CEC applications are submitted through Express Entry and must meet strict completeness and compliance requirements under the IRPA and IRPR.

Who This Service Is For

This service is suitable for:

• workers with skilled Canadian experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• recent graduates who gained qualifying experience after their studies
• individuals seeking a transition from temporary status to permanent residence
• applicants with employment gaps, multiple employers, or varied NOC duties
• individuals who want a structured and fully compliant application package
• applicants who need to address missing documents or complex timelines

Legal Representation Provided

Eligibility and Strategy

• Confirmation of qualifying Canadian work experience
• Review of NOC and TEER classification
• Verification of temporary resident status during employment
• Review of language test results and validity
• Assessment of Express Entry profile strategy
• Guidance on improving CRS score where applicable

Evidence and Documentation

• Review of employment reference letters
• Review of pay statements, T4s, and Notices of Assessment
• Review of employer information
• Guidance on job duties, hours, and wage evidence
• Support in obtaining corrected or updated employer documents
• Review of language test results and education credentials

Application Preparation

• Preparation and organization of all forms
• Creation or revision of Express Entry profile
• Preparation of legal submissions addressing:
  • program eligibility under R87.1
  • qualifying work experience
  • language requirements
  • temporary resident status and admissibility
  • clarification of any employment gaps or complex history
• Organization and quality control of the full e-APR package

Complex Situations

• Applicants with mixed duties across multiple NOC codes
• Self-employment periods that require clear separation from qualifying work
• Work experience gained while on maintained status
• Inconsistencies between employer documents and CRA records
• Prior refusals on record

When to Seek Legal Assistance

Legal assistance is recommended where:

• reference letters do not match NOC requirements
• the applicant worked for multiple employers or agencies
• there are gaps in pay or incomplete tax records
• the applicant has an expired work permit or restoration history
• the applicant previously submitted an Express Entry application
• there are concerns about CRS score drops or A11.2 issues
• the applicant changed jobs or NOC codes during the qualifying period

CEC refusals often result from incomplete documentation, insufficient duties, invalid work experience, or discrepancies between employment documents and Express Entry claims.