Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for people who have gained skilled work experience in Canada and want permanent residence. It is a frequent pathway for former international students and temporary foreign workers, and is managed through Express Entry.
Who it's for
People with qualifying skilled work experience gained in Canada.
Key points
- ✓Built on skilled work experience earned in Canada
- ✓No education assessment (ECA) required for the program itself
- ✓Language testing required
- ✓Applied for through Express Entry
How it works
- 1Accumulate the required skilled Canadian work experience
- 2Take an approved language test
- 3Enter the Express Entry pool
- 4Apply for PR after an Invitation to Apply
IRCC forms often used
How Lexova helps
Lexova gives the licensed professional one workspace to run the whole file — a bilingual client intake that autofills the IRCC forms this pathway uses, AI cover letters and document sorting, and shared client/employer portals with live progress. Less re-typing, fewer mismatches, nothing missed.
Frequently asked questions
Does study time count as work experience for CEC?+
Work experience must generally be authorized, paid, skilled work — experience gained while studying full-time typically doesn't count. Check the current rules.
Where can I confirm the current requirements?+
CEC eligibility is published on Canada.ca (IRCC); confirm the current experience and language requirements there.
Related pathways
This page is general information about Canadian immigration programs and is not legal or immigration advice. Rules, thresholds and timelines change often; always verify the current requirements on Canada.ca (IRCC / ESDC) or with a licensed professional (RCIC or lawyer). Lexova is not affiliated with the Government of Canada.