Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) lets skilled workers with ≥ 1 year (1 560 hours) of paid Canadian TEER 0-3 experience earned in the last 3 years convert that record into permanent residence.
Self-employment and full-time student work are excluded (except for a narrow physician policy). You must have been physically present in Canada, on a valid work permit, and performing most NOC duties.
Minimum language scores are CLB 7 for TEER 0/1 and CLB 5 for TEER 2/3; overtime beyond 30 hours/week never accelerates the 12-month clock. Education is optional but boosts CRS; settlement must be outside Quebec.

Follow the detailed checklist below to maximise your

1. What Counts as Canadian Skilled Work Experience ?

1.1 NOC & TEER eligibility

Your experience must be in NOC 2021 TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3

1.2 Hour requirements & acceptable combinations

Tip: Keep pay-stubs, T4s and Records of Employment; officers cross-check hours against CRA slips.

1.3 Excluded experience

• Self-employment and work done while a full-time student do not count, except for a narrow physician (policy of 25 Apr 2023) may include self-employed hours.
• Remote work only counts if you were physically in Canada and on a Canadian payroll; leases or utility bills are recommended evidence if asked, but not a formal checklist item.

2. Language Requirements

Approved tests (IELTS GT, CELPIP G, PTE Core, TEF, TCF) must be < 2 years old on the day you submit your e-APR.

3. Education: Optional but Valuable

CEC does not require education.
For extra CRS points you can:
i. Claim a Canadian credential (certificate/diploma/degree).
ii. Upload an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign studies.

4. Admissibility & Settlement Location

4.1 Admissibility

You must pass medical, criminal and security checks.

4.2 Where you can live

CEC applicants must intend to reside outside Quebec; Quebec runs its own skilled-worker system.

5. Counting Hours Like a Pro

i. Keep CRA slips: T4s match pay-stubs to hours.
2. Use ROE codes: Show no gaps in employment.
3. Combine part-time gigs sensibly - avoid weeks > 30 hrs to stay within IRCC’s full-time definition.

6. Special Cases & Updates

• Physicians invited on/after 25 Apr 2023 can count self-employed, fee-for-service hours toward CEC. Do not tick the “self-employed” box in the EE work-history page.
• Remote workers must prove Canadian residence (leases, bills) during the period claimed.

7. Step-by-Step Application Checklist

1. Create Express Entry profile → choose primary TEER 0-3 NOC.
2. Enter valid language scores (CLB ≥ 7 or 5).
3. Document 1,560 hrs with reference letters, pay evidence, T4s.
4. Add education/ECA for extra CRS (optional).
5. Receive ITA → submit full e-APR within 60 days.
6. Upload police certificates, medicals, biometrics → wait for COPR and PR card.

9. Final Tips

• Target CLB 9 for 50–110 extra CRS points
• Renew work permits early to maintain status while in the pool.
• Consider a Provincial Nominee Program if CRS is low - adds 600 points but requires you to live in that province.

Canada rewards proven in-country talent. Track your hours diligently, keep language scores current, and your 2025 CEC pathway should be smooth sailing.