Canada has extended invitations to foreign nationals keen on securing permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. This initiative by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers a golden opportunity for skilled workers with Canadian work experience. On July 17, 2024, a staggering 6,300 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency under the Express Entry draw for the CEC were dispatched. These invitations were valid until July 18, 2024. This marks a significant increase from the previous round on May 31, 2024, which saw 3,000 ITAs sent out.
The CEC is specifically designed for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and are looking to become permanent residents. To qualify, applicants must meet several criteria: at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years, demonstrated language proficiency in English or French, and valid work authorization during their work experience in Canada.
Skilled work experience involves occupations classified under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) in the following TEER categories: TEER 0 for management roles, TEER 1 for jobs usually requiring a university degree, TEER 2 for positions often needing a college diploma or apprenticeship, and TEER 3 for roles requiring a diploma or significant on-the-job training. The work experience must be paid, whether through wages or commissions, and exclude unpaid internships, volunteer work, self-employment, and work gained while studying full-time. However, a temporary policy allows foreign physicians invited to apply for permanent residence on or after April 23, 2023, to be eligible if they meet certain criteria and have experience in publicly funded medical services.
Applicants must pass approved language tests and enter their results in their Express Entry profile. While there is no formal education requirement, having Canadian educational credentials or foreign credentials recognized by a designated organization can boost an applicant’s rank in the Express Entry pool. Successful applicants must intend to live outside Quebec, as the province has its own selection system for skilled workers.
The Express Entry system is the application process designed for skilled workers eager to live in Canada permanently. An Express Entry draw is the method the Canadian government uses to determine who gets invited to apply for permanent residency, selecting the highest-ranking candidates based on various factors, including work experience, education, and language proficiency.
As of July 17, 2024, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score distribution for candidates in the Express Entry pool highlighted the competitive nature of the process. To qualify, applicants must check their eligibility, estimate their CRS score, book an English language test, gather required documents, create and submit an Express Entry profile, and then wait for an invitation to apply. Once an invitation is received, applicants have 60 days to complete their application.
The application fee for this process is $1,525 (approximately Rs 1,27,579). Processing times vary by program and may include time for biometrics. It’s crucial for applicants to ensure their work permits are valid to maintain eligibility and avoid their CRS scores dropping below the minimum cut-off.
India ranks among the top ten countries receiving Canada’s PR in 2024. According to IRCC data, Canada issued around 65,000 PRs to Indian nationals in 2024. Immigrants from India generally migrate via Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or Family sponsorship programs.
