The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) immigration program continues to offer promising opportunities for qualified individuals.
On May 31, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) extended invitations to 3,000 eligible candidates to apply for permanent residency under the Express Entry draw, specifically targeting the CEC category. This draw signifies another important step in Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract and retain skilled talent. The CEC provides a fast-tracked pathway for skilled workers who have gained valuable work experience in Canada while holding temporary resident status. This program is designed to attract and retain talented individuals who have already demonstrated their ability to contribute to the Canadian economy.
The recent round of invitations commenced on May 31, 2024, and concluded on June 1, 2024. The draw took place at 12:48:30 UTC, with the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off set at 522. Candidates who met or surpassed this score and submitted their profiles before March 19, 2024, at 18:58:58 UTC received an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The CRS is a points-based system that evaluates factors such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and age. A lower CRS score generally indicates a stronger candidacy. To be eligible for the CEC, applicants must meet specific requirements, including having a minimum of one year of skilled employment in Canada within the past three years while holding a valid temporary resident status.
The work experience must be in paid positions, either through salaries or commissions, and applicants must have worked legally in Canada. With a total of 224,404 candidates, the pool is divided into various score ranges, with the majority falling between 351 and 500 points. This distribution is subject to change as new profiles are submitted and existing ones expire. For those who have received an ITA through this draw, congratulations! You now have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application to the IRCC.
If you missed out on an invitation this round, don’t be discouraged. CEC selection events occur regularly, and there are ways to improve your chances for the next one. Enhancing your CRS points by developing language skills, acquiring more Canadian work experience, or pursuing further studies can boost your profile. Additionally, creating a compelling Express Entry profile that accurately and comprehensively highlights your talents and background can increase your likelihood of success.
