The Canadian Experience Class continues to gain momentum as the most popular economic immigration program. It is becoming more and more clear that the government t prefers to have its new immigrants with Canadian work experience, as this would make it easier for newcomers who will likely make the most of their abilities while undergoing a more seamless social and economic transition to Canada.

As such, the Canadian Experience Class continues to provide a solution to foreign workers who seek permanent status in Canada after fulfilling basic work and employment requirements in a valid and recognized occupation.

As the applicant, you must have obtained at least 12 months of full-time or the equivalent of part-time, skilled work experience in eligible occupations at NOC Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B. Full-time work means at least 30 hours of paid work per week.

Due to what the government is calling an “over-representation” of occupations, there have been cutbacks to specific occupations that the Canadian Experience Class category applies to. At one point, any occupation was viable. This is no longer the case.

The following six occupations are not eligible under the CEC:

• Administrative officers (NOC 1221)
• Administrative assistants (NOC 1241)
• Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 1311)
• Retail sales supervisors (NOC 6211)
• Food service supervisors (NOC 6311)
• Cooks (NOC 6322)

This work experience must have been acquired in Canada within the 36 months preceding the date your properly completed application is received by the CIO. You do not have to be employed at the time of your application.

CEC Processing Times

The Canadian Experience Class is currently facing backlogs in processing; however, the government remains committed to advancing the program. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Chris Alexander, stated that “The government is taking concrete action to reduce backlogs and processing times. By making these changes to the Canadian Experience Class, we are moving toward a more effective and efficient immigration system.”

Between November 9, 2013, to October 31, 2014, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will accept a maximum of 12,000 new applications under the CEC.