Key to Success in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program

In Canada, the Express Entry system is the fastest way to obtain permanent residence (PR), since it offers several ways or alternatives to apply according to the applicant's immigration profile. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three programs managed by this system and is an excellent option for those who have worked in Canada and wish to settle permanently in the country. However, the work experience must be qualified or it will not be taken into account.

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That's why, in this article on our Immiland Canada blog, I will explain what works and what doesn't work in applying to the CEC. Read it with me to the end - let's get started!

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Apply for the Canadian Experience Class program

What works

• Have qualified work experience of at least one year. The experience must be relevant and categorized as TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This demonstrates that you have skills and knowledge that are valued in the Canadian labor market.

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• Have language proficiency and demonstrate fluency in English and French. This can be done through internationally recognized language tests such as IELTS (English) or TEF (French). A good score on these assessments not only improves your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, but also shows your ability to integrate into Canadian society, which is highly valued by the government.

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• Have complete and correct documentation. As in any immigration process, a well-done application that complies with all the requirements of the law and that is presented in an orderly, neat and accurate manner is essential for the immigration officer to evaluate it promptly. This includes filling out the application forms correctly, having complete and current educational credential evaluations (ECAs), attaching proof of work experience and certified language evaluations, among other requirements.

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• Seek advice from a regulated immigration consultant in case of doubts about the application. The consultant must be authorized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants of Canada (CICC) to handle your case.

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What does not work 

• ^Have unskilled work experience, for example, if you have only performed waiter, handyman or similar jobs. These are positions that are filled by fast-track training, do not require higher education, are within TEER 4 and 5 on the NOC and do not meet the government's criteria for the Canadian Experience Class. 

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• Lack of proficiency in English and/or French. Failure to meet the minimum requirements of the two official languages of Canada is an obstacle to applying to the CEC. That is why it is essential to prepare adequately for the language assessments and obtain a score that meets the program's standards. Planeta Immiland has language courses that can help you. 

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• Have scant, incomplete or incorrect documentation. An application with incomplete or incorrect information will result in potential rejection. It is very important that the applicant meticulously reviews and verifies his or her documentation before submitting it. Remember that the immigration officer will do the same and will notice any errors.

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• Relying on intermediaries or migration managers not certified by the ICAC. An unregulated consultant can cause your application to fail simply by handling incorrect information or by not acting in accordance with Canadian law. In addition, you may fall prey to scams.

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Alternatives to improve the application to the SCC

If you meet the CEC requirements, there are several alternatives you can consider to improve your chances of application success:

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• Raise your CRS score: obtaining a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian educational institution can increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Another key that works is to complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to show that your previous education meets Canadian standards.

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• Seeking work in a skilled occupation. Remember that the CEC program works only for those who have an occupation categorized in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 on the NOC. 

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• Preparing for language tests, such as IELTS (English) and TEF (French), will help you to obtain a high score and meet program requirements.

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I hope you find this information useful. If you have doubts about how to apply to the Canadian Experience Class, you can ask for an immigration appointment with a CICC consultant from Immiland. Best of success in your application and thanks for reading, see you in the next blog! 

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With love,

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Immiland Law