Canadian Experience Class
Managed through Express Entry: you apply only after an invitation. Read on IRCC’s page on November 9, 2026.
The Canadian Experience Class gives permanent residence to people who already have skilled work experience in Canada. It is for temporary residents — often former students and work-permit holders — with at least one year of authorized skilled work in Canada in the last three years, who plan to live outside Quebec. Applications go through Express Entry.
Who is eligible
- At least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work in Canada in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation, within the three years before you apply (IRPR s 87.1(2)(a)).
- Language results meeting the Minister’s threshold in all four skills.
- You had temporary resident status during that work. Self-employment, unauthorized work and work while you were a full-time student don’t count (IRPR s 87.1(3)).
Steps
- Confirm your qualifying Canadian experience and take an approved language test.
- Enter the Express Entry pool.
- If invited, apply for permanent residence.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Language test results.
- Reference letters from Canadian employers.
- Copies of your work and study permits showing status during the work.
- Police certificates and medical exam after invitation.
What the law says
“they have acquired in Canada, within the three years before the date on which their application for permanent residence is made, at least one year of full-time work experience”
One year of skilled Canadian work in the last three years.
“any period of self-employment or unauthorized work shall not be included in calculating a period of work experience”
What doesn’t count: full-time-study periods, self-employment and unauthorized work; you must have held temporary resident status.
Official IRCC pages
Program rules not written in the statute, plus current fees and processing times, are on IRCC’s own pages:
- IRCC: Canadian Experience Class — who can apply
- IRCC: Express Entry
- IRCC: Express Entry rounds of invitations (live cut-offs)
- IRCC fee list (current fees)
- IRCC processing times (live)
Common mistakes
- Counting hours worked while studying full time.
- Counting contract work as an independent contractor (self-employment).
- Counting work done after a permit expired without maintained status.
Frequently asked questions
Does on-campus or co-op work while studying count for CEC?
Work during a period of full-time study is excluded by IRPR s 87.1(3)(a). Check IRCC’s CEC page for how it applies to your situation.
Do I need proof of funds for CEC?
IRPR s 87.1 contains no settlement-funds requirement. IRCC’s CEC page states current requirements.
Policy analysis
- Canada’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan: what changed, and what it means if you’re already here
The 2027–2029 plan holds permanent admissions at 380,000 a year and new temporary arrivals at 370,000, and adds a one-time 2027 measure for up to 200,000 people already in Canada.
Related streams
- Express Entry Invitation-only
The online system IRCC uses to invite skilled workers to apply for permanent residence.
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) Check IRCC
An open work permit for some graduates of designated learning institutions.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program Invitation-only
Permanent residence for skilled workers with foreign or Canadian work experience, through Express Entry.
- Provincial Nominee Program Open
A province or territory nominates you for permanent residence based on its own labour needs.