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CEC — Canadian Experience Class

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

6 months

Application Fee

1,675 CAD

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Renewable

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Allowed

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

8% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$50,000

Quality of Life

172/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a federal permanent residence program for people with skilled work experience gained in Canada. Managed through Express Entry, it targets workers and graduates in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations with at least one year of qualifying Canadian work in the past three years.

Applicants rank into the CRS pool and, once invited, submit a full PR application with language results, work proof, and police certificates. Fees total CAD 1,675. No job offer or education requirement applies; permanent residence is granted and spouses can work without restriction.

This visa is ideal for temporary foreign workers and international graduates already living in Canada who want a direct path to permanent residence through Express Entry.

Fee Breakdown

Processing fee	990 CAD
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	600 CAD
Biometrics	85 CAD

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Annual Cap & Quota

Managed via Express Entry targets

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of 1 year (1,560 hours) of full-time or equivalent part-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years.

Work experience must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 category under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Work experience must be paid and obtained while holding valid temporary resident status in Canada.

Must meet or exceed the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 for TEER 0/1 jobs or CLB 5 for TEER 2/3 jobs.

Must plan to live and work outside the province of Quebec.

Must be admissible to Canada (no criminal or security inadmissibility).

Must have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or travel document.

Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF) less than 2 years old.

Proof of skilled work experience (reference letters on company letterhead, pay stubs, T4 tax forms, and employment contracts).

Police certificates from every country where the applicant has lived for 6 months or more since age 18.

Medical examination results from an IRCC-approved panel physician.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report (if claiming points for foreign education).

Personal history records for the past 10 years or since age 18.

Birth certificate or other identity documents for family members (if applicable).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Recognizes Canadian work experience
Faster processing than some other streams

Worth Knowing

Requires prior Canadian work authorization
Not available for Quebec residents

Application Process

Create Express Entry profile

Receive ITA

Submit full PR application

Verified Claims (21)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Create Express Entry profile; Receive ITA; Submit full PR application	canada.ca
Dependent Visa	Yes	canada.ca
Fee Breakdown	Processing fee: 990 CAD; Right of Permanent Residence Fee: 600 CAD; Biometrics: 85 CAD	ircc.canada.ca
Fees	CAD 1,675 (including biometrics)	ircc.canada.ca
Forms	—	canada.ca
Included Nationalities	—	canada.ca
Job Offer Required	false	canada.ca
Application Portal	https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/su…	canada.ca

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