IRCC states: "The Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents." (IRCC, Canadian Experience Class) It is one of the 3 programs managed through Express Entry (IRCC, Who can apply).
IRCC states: "To be chosen from the pool and invited to apply, you need to have one of the highest-ranking scores when we send out invitations." (IRCC, Create your Express Entry profile) Rounds of invitations and their results are published by IRCC.
Canadian Work Experience Points (CRS)
IRCC lists these core points for Canadian work experience (IRCC, CRS criteria):
- • "1 year": 40 points without a spouse or common-law partner (35 with)
- • "2 years": 53 (46 with)
- • "3 years": 64 (56 with)
- • "4 years": 72 (63 with)
- • "5 years or more": 80 (70 with)
See our CRS score review page.
Quick Facts
- Work experience:"1 year of work or 1,560 hours total"
- Language (TEER 0/1):"CLB 7"
- Language (TEER 2/3):"CLB 5"
- Education:"no education requirement"
Book a consultation to verify your CEC eligibility and work experience calculations.
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Canadian Experience Class FAQ
What are the Canadian Experience Class requirements?
IRCC states that your work experience must "be in 1 or more of these NOC categories: training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) 0, 1, 2 or 3" and "total at least 1 year of work or 1,560 hours total (30 hours per week) in the 3 years before you apply". IRCC sets the minimum language level for all 4 abilities at CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3.
Source: IRCC, Canadian Experience Class, IRCC, Language test results
What is the Canadian Experience Class in Express Entry?
IRCC states: "Express Entry is an online system that we use to manage immigration applications for 3 programs:" The Canadian Experience Class is one of them. IRCC states: "The Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents."
Source: IRCC, Who can apply, IRCC, Canadian Experience Class
How many CRS points does Canadian work experience give?
IRCC lists these core points for Canadian work experience without a spouse or common-law partner: 1 year 40, 2 years 53, 3 years 64, 4 years 72, 5 years or more 80. With a spouse or common-law partner: 35, 46, 56, 63 and 70.
Source: IRCC, CRS criteria
How do I count the 1,560 hours of work experience?
IRCC states: "You can meet the 1,560-hour requirement in a few different ways:" "full-time at 1 job: up to 30 hours a week for 12 months = 1 year full-time (1,560 hours)", "equal amount in part-time work: for example, 15 hours a week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)" and "full-time at more than 1 job: up to 30 hours a week combined across more than 1 job, for 12 months = 1 year full-time (1,560 hours)". "You can work as many part-time jobs as you need to meet this requirement."
Source: IRCC, Canadian Experience Class
Does self-employment count toward Canadian Experience Class work experience?
IRCC lists this among work experience you can’t count: "you were self-employed (some physicians can count their time spent self-employed)".
Source: IRCC, Canadian Experience Class
Can I apply through the Canadian Experience Class if I live in Quebec?
IRCC states: "Yes, you can count work experience you got while living in Quebec." IRCC also states: "You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec." "The province of Quebec selects its own skilled workers."
Source: IRCC, Canadian Experience Class
Is there an education requirement for the Canadian Experience Class?
IRCC states: "There is no education requirement for the Canadian Experience Class."
Source: IRCC, Canadian Experience Class
Related reading: our CRS score review page, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the PGWP, employer-specific work permits, and Ontario Provincial Nominee Program options.
Information provided is general in nature and current as of the page's last update. Immigration laws, processing times, eligibility criteria, and program requirements are subject to change per IRCC policy updates. This page does not constitute legal advice. Specific cases require individual consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Amer Rehman is an RCIC (R515343), member in good standing with CICC.