This is a category for temporary foreign workers in Canada who are interested in becoming permanent residents. These workers have established roots in Canadian society and gained Canadian job experience. Individuals who intend to live and work in the province of Quebec may apply for Quebec Experience Class.
Applicants must have a minimum of one year of skilled, technical or professional work experience in Canada within 3 years of the date of their application. They must also be able to meet Canadian language requirements that vary according to the nature of their job.
Applicants can remain in Canada during their application process. Those who no longer live in Canada can also apply for CEC provided that they submit their application no longer than 2 years after they left their job in Canada.
The pass or fail model applies in this category. Successful applicants are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.
International students who obtained post-graduate work permits and worked for at least one year in a skilled, professional or technical job in Canada may be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool under CEC.