Temporary workers gaining work experience in Canada, and foreign students studying in Canada who are graduating from their field of study, can apply with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Express Entry for permanent residency. Otherwise known as the Canadian Experience Class application process, the goal of this program is to successfully transition foreign workers and students that qualify to permanent residents, as they already have experience living in Canadian culture.  

Interested applicants will need to review the qualifications required to apply for the Canadian Experience Class as they include minimum requirements for both work experience and language levels. They must also reside outside of the province of Quebec.

Work requirements include: 

1. The applicant must have a minimum of one year of work experience in Canada within the three years prior to submitting the application

2. The applicant must submit the application while currently working in Canada or within one year of leaving their job in Canada

3.  The applicant has gained experience in Canadian culture through paid work experiences, not unpaid internships and volunteer work

Applicants will also need to meet the language levels required in English or French to apply for the Canadian Experience Class (Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs or Canadian Language Benchmark 5 for NOC B jobs). Applicants will also be tested on their ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English or French, and their test results will need to be included with their Express Entry application. 

Although there are no specified requirements for education listed under the Canadian Experience Class Express Entry application, confirming your educational background and providing supporting documents will increase your rank in the pool when completing your application. This documentation can include secondary and post secondary certificates, diplomas, or degrees from Canadian educational institutions, as well as foreign education background documents, including a completed foreign credential and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.  

Ineligible applicants for the Canadian Experience Class include those with a refugee claimant status, those working without authorization in Canada, as well as those with who gained work experience without having temporary residency status in Canada. 

Once you have determined that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can submit your application for the Canadian Experience Class and create and complete an online Express Entry profile. From there, all eligible applicants will be entered into a pool and the IRCC will notify chosen candidates with an Invitation to Apply, inviting them to complete a full application. Applicants chosen to submit a full application to the IRCC have 90 days to complete this stage.

Interested in applying for the Canadian Experience Class and becoming a permanent resident in Canada? Contact Brace Law for a consultation to review your application options including the Express Entry Canadian Experience Class application. Brace Law can work with you to ensure you are eligible for the program and that your application is complete. When you work with Brace Law, you can Consider It Handled. 

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