Canadian Experience Class

Applicants for the Canadian Experience Class must have work experience in Canada and wish to become permanent residents. The Canadian Experience Class is one of the fastest paths to permanent residence, taking as little as three to four months to complete!

Minimum requirements

Meet the language requirements for your job for each language ability

  • Writing
  • Reading
  • Listening
  • Speaking

Have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada, in the last 3 years before you apply—you can meet this in a few different ways:

  • Full-time at 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full-time (1,560 hours)
  • Equal amount in part-time work: for example 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
    • You can work as many part-time jobs as you need to meet this requirement
  • Full-time work at more than 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than 1 job = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)

Worked in Canada while under temporary resident status with authorization to work

How we calculate work experience

You must have worked for wages or earned commission in your skilled work experience. We don’t count volunteer work or unpaid internships.

If you work part-time, you can work more or less than 15 hours a week as long as it adds up to 1,560 hours. You can work more than one part-time job to get the hours you need.

Working more than 30 hours a week isn’t counted.

If you fall into any of the following categories, your application will not be considered

You’re a refugee claimant in Canada

You’re working without authorization

Your work experience was gained without temporary resident status in Canada

According to the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC), skilled work experience means:

Managerial jobs (skill level 0)

Professional jobs (skill type A

Technical jobs and skilled trades (skill type B)

Your work experience can be in 1 or more NOC 0, A or B jobs.

You must demonstrate that you performed the duties stated in the lead statement of the occupational description in the NOC. These duties include all the main duties as well as the essential duties.