Canada · skilled migration · Leads to settlement
Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Federal permanent-residence stream for applicants with qualifying Canadian work experience.
- Processing time
- 6 months service standard for invited applications (actual varies).
- Government fees
- CAD 1,590 principal applicant (includes RPRF); plus CAD 825 per dependant child and CAD 825 spouse.
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of three Express Entry streams. It targets candidates with at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience in the past 3 years. CEC applicants typically score well in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and benefit from regular draws.
Recent changes to this route
- Canada: PR fees rise (30 Apr 2026), category-based Express Entry, Start-up Visa closed, arranged-employment points removed30 April 2026
A run of IRCC changes through 2025-26 reshaped Express Entry economics and closed the Start-up Visa to new applicants.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian nationals are consistently the largest single Express Entry cohort. IRCC has run category-based draws for STEM, h…
Nigerian applicants
Nigerian applicants face heightened document scrutiny around employment letters and salary evidence. Police certificates…
Filipino applicants
Filipino healthcare and IT candidates are well-positioned for the Canadian Experience Class after time on a Post-Graduat…
Chinese applicants
Chinese candidates benefit from high education-credential scores. The Public Security Bureau (公安局) issues the police cer…
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓At least 12 months of skilled Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3) in the 3 years before applying.
- ✓Language test meeting minimum CLB level (CLB 7 for TEER 0/1, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3).
- ✓Intent to reside outside Quebec.
Common blockers
- !Experience classified at TEER 4 or 5 (unskilled under Express Entry).
- !CRS score below cut-off in category-based or general draws.
Typical evidence
- ·Letters from Canadian employers documenting duties.
- ·Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF).
- ·Police certificates from every country lived in 6+ months since age 18.
Application pathway
Create Express Entry profile
Submit profile to the Express Entry pool with language, education, and experience details.
Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
ITAs are issued based on CRS score and draw type.
Submit complete application within 60 days
Upload documents and pay fees.
IRCC processing and landing
Once approved, land in Canada as permanent resident.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantCreate Express Entry profile ↗
CEC candidates use this IRCC page to create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: CAD 1,590 principal applicant (includes RPRF); plus CAD 825 per dependant child and CAD 825 spouse.. A decision then typically takes 5 months – 7 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Related routes
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Federal points-based permanent residence for skilled workers without prior Canadian experience.
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Permanent residence for qualified tradespeople with a Canadian job offer or provincial certification.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions.
Frequently asked questions
Does studying in Canada count toward CEC?+
Time spent studying itself does not count. Post-graduation work experience under a Post-Graduation Work Permit at TEER 0–3 level does count, provided it is continuous and meets the skilled-occupation definition.
How much does Express Entry cost for a family with a spouse and children?+
For the Canadian Experience Class, the indicative government fee is CAD 1,590 for the principal applicant (which includes the Right of Permanent Residence Fee), plus CAD 825 for a spouse and CAD 825 per dependent child.
How much Canadian work experience do I need for the Canadian Experience Class?+
You need at least 12 months of skilled Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3) in the 3 years before applying. Experience classified at TEER 4 or 5 is treated as unskilled and does not qualify under Express Entry.
Can I use the Canadian Experience Class if I plan to settle in Quebec?+
No. The Canadian Experience Class requires an intent to reside outside Quebec.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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