Already working in Canada on a permit? The CEC is your most direct path to permanent residence. No settlement funds required. Processing typically under 4 months after ITA.
The CEC is an Express Entry program specifically for people who are already working in Canada on a temporary work permit or PGWP. It recognizes that workers who have Canadian experience are more likely to settle successfully, and rewards that experience with streamlined permanent residence processing.
Minimum 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time: 1,560 hrs) skilled work in Canada within the 3 years before applying. Must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Jobs during full-time study do not count. Self-employment does not count.
CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 and 1 jobs. CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 and 3 jobs. Test results must be from within the past 2 years. English: IELTS General Training or CELPIP. French: TEF or TCF.
A degree or diploma is not required for CEC. However, Canadian post-secondary education adds CRS points and is advantageous for your Express Entry ranking.
Unlike FSWP, CEC applicants do not need to prove settlement funds. The assumption is that you are already established in Canada with employment.
Must intend to live and work outside Quebec. Quebec has its own equivalent program (Programme de l'expérience québécoise / PEQ) for workers in Quebec.
Clean criminal record. Medical examination if required. Must be legally authorized to work in Canada throughout the qualifying period.
Complete an 8-month+ program at a DLI → Receive Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) → Work 1 year in a NOC TEER 0–3 job → Apply for PR through CEC. This is the most well-established pathway for international graduates who want to stay in Canada permanently.
PGWP duration matches program length (max 3 years). If your PGWP expires while your PR is processing, apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
| Factor | CEC | FSWP |
|---|---|---|
| Where Must Work Exp Be? | In Canada only | Any country |
| Settlement Funds | Not required | Required (unless job offer) |
| Education | Not required | ECA required for foreign degree |
| Language Minimum | CLB 5–7 | CLB 7 |
| Typical Processing | ~4 months post-ITA | ~6 months post-ITA |
| Best For | Workers already in Canada | Internationally trained professionals abroad |
Work in a NOC TEER 0–3 role with valid Canadian work authorization. Keep records of hours, pay stubs, T4s, and employer reference letters.
Complete IELTS General Training or CELPIP. Aim for CLB 7+ if possible — higher scores significantly improve your CRS ranking.
Submit your profile online. CEC candidates typically score lower CRS than FSWP candidates (less need for settlement fund and education points), but draws specifically for CEC often have lower cutoffs.
Once invited, submit your complete PR application with all supporting documents within 60 days. IRCC targets 4-month processing for CEC.
If your work permit will expire during processing, apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit immediately after receiving your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).
Yes — as long as your job is in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation and you were legally authorized to work in Canada during that period. The PGWP itself is a valid work authorization.
Yes. You can work for multiple employers in TEER 0–3 occupations — the total qualifying hours accumulate toward your 1-year requirement. Each employer should be documented with a reference letter.
The equivalent of 1 full-time year = 1,560 hours. You can reach this through part-time work, even across multiple part-time jobs, as long as each role is in a qualifying NOC occupation.
Yes — but apply for your PR before your permit expires, or ensure you apply for a BOWP to bridge the gap. You can stay in Canada under "implied status" while your permit renewal or BOWP is processing, as long as you applied before expiry.
Our RCIC will confirm your work experience qualifies for CEC, calculate your CRS, and prepare your complete application package.
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