FAQs for Canadian Experience Class

FAQ – Canadian Experience Class

In this article, I will address a few popular questions and answers for the Canadian Experience Class program and some important information to consider when applying for this program. The Canadian Experience Class program was created and intended for foreign nationals who have worked in Canada and have gained skills that will help them obtain future employment and will lead to permanent residency in Canada. If you a skilled foreign national and would like to apply for the Canadian Experience Class program, I suggest you read our article on “The Basics of Canadian Experience Class” before reading this question and answer article. The intention of this article is meant to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to the Canadian Experience Class program.

Q: Since I just graduated as an international student in Canada, am I able to apply for permanent residency?

A: As a graduated international student in Canada, you may be able to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. However, you must meet the eligibility requirements in order to apply. When applying for the CEC program, you must plan to live anywhere in Canada but Quebec, as they have different regulations; have at least one year of full-time experience in an occupation that falls under either National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A or B level in the past three years prior to applying; have gained your work experience through legal authorization in Canada after having graduated; and, meet the language levels needed for the intended job. It is important to note that you cannot use any work experience gained during your studies; the work experience must be from after you have graduated. Conclusively, you may also apply for permanent residency through other programs; however, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for these programs as well.

Q: Who cannot apply under the Canadian Experience Class program?

A: To clarify, you can only apply under the Canadian Experience Class program if you have gained full-time skilled work experience from within Canada for a minimum of one year. However, there are certain circumstances which result in individuals not being able to apply under this program. Specifically, if an individual has gained skilled work experience without proper authorization, such as working illegally; in a job that is not classified as skill type 0, skill level A or B in the NOC; while being self-employed; or, while on a student work permit, such as co-op or on- or off-campus work. Therefore, if you have gained work experience through any of the aforementioned options, then unfortunately you would not be able to apply under the Canadian Experience Class program.

Q: Do I still need to do a medical exam if I already did one for my work permit?

A: Even if you had done a medical exam for your work permit, you will be required to do another medical exam for your permanent residency in Canada. The reason being is because all applicants that apply for permanent residency in Canada must have a medical exam prior to a decision being made on the application. Subsequently, a medical exam is conducted to show that you do not pose a health risk to the Canadian public and that you will not place too much demand on Canada’s health and social systems.

Q: Is a certain level of education required from skilled temporary workers applying for permanent residency under the CEC program?

A: No, there is not a certain level of education required from skilled temporary workers applying under the CEC program. However, if you have a certain level of education, specifically high school education or higher, then you may be able to get additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. If you have earned your educational experience from outside of Canada, you must have it evaluated and must obtain an Education Credential Assessment to equate it to a Canadian standard.

Q: If I have left Canada, am I still eligible to apply under the CEC program?

A: Even if you have left Canada, you may still be eligible to apply under the CEC program. Regardless of where in the world you are residing, you must still meet the eligibility requirements in order to apply for this program. For instance, you must have obtained full-time skilled work experience for a minimum of one year in NOC 0, A or B in the past three years prior to applying.

Q: If I come from an English-speaking country, am I still required to provide proof of language ability?

A: All applicants who apply under the Canadian Experience Class program must provide proof of language ability, regardless of the country that they originate from. Additionally, the language ability must be in either English or French, as they are Canada’s two official languages. In order to prove your language ability, you must complete and provide Immigration with an official test from a designated testing organization.

Contact Akrami & Associates

Should you have any further questions or feel confused or unclear about how to apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class program, it is important to talk about any questions you may have and discuss your concerns. By talking to immigration professionals about your concerns, this will ease your worries and assist with the application process. Many immigration applications are difficult to pursue on your own and it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to apply. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped our clients apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class program. If you believe that you may be eligible to apply under this program, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advise.

With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!