The Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class program is aimed at temporary foreign workers or foreign students who graduated in Canada and have the qualities to make a successful transition from temporary to permanent resident.
Applicants with qualifying work experience, knowledge of English or French and who can effectively contribute to Canada’s economy may be eligible to apply for permanent Canadian residence under this program.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for permanent residence in Canada under the Experience Class program, applicants must meet certain minimum requirements, such as:
- Plan to live outside the province of Québec
- Be either:
- A temporary foreign worker with at least two years of full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience in Canada, or
- A foreign graduate from a Canadian post-secondary institution with at least one year experience in Canada
- Have gained your experience in Canada with the proper work or study authorisation
- Apply while working in Canada – or – within one year of leaving your job in Canada
According o the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC), skilled work experience means:
- Skill type 0 (managerial occupations), or
- Skill Level A (professional occupations), or
- Skill Level B (technical occupations and skilled trades)
If you apply as a temporary foreign worker, your application will be assessed on two requirements: your work experience and your ability in English or French.
People who apply as graduates of a Canadian post-secondary educational institution with Canadian work experience will be assessed using the requirements mentioned above, as well as their education.
How do I apply?
To apply under this program, start by downloading and printing the application package. Read the guide carefully before completing the application form. Don’t forget to attach all the required documents.
For more information, check Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Experience Class program.
