Canada offers a fast track to permanent residency for foreign skilled workers and international students through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). However, your language proficiency and IELTS score are essential for success in this application.

Book now your IELTS exam

This program was introduced in 2008, and it has allowed foreign skilled workers and international graduates from Canadian institutions to pursue permanent residency and eventually, citizenship.

However, you need to fulfil specific criteria to qualify for the program. First, you need to demonstrate proficiency in language skills relevant to your job. Your language tests results must be valid at the time of application and remain valid for up to two years.

Second, you need to accumulate at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying. This can be achieved through full-time employment (thirty hours per week for twelve months), part-time work (equivalent to full-time hours), or multiple part-time roles.

Third, you need to hold a job classified under National Occupation Classification (NOC) categories 0, A, or B. What does this mean? We’ll explain it later.

Mastering IELTS for immigrating through the Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is the established standard in Canada for evaluating, assessing and acknowledging the language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants who are intending to reside, work or seek citizenship in Canada. This benchmark serves as a foundation for various immigration pathways, including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

To meet these benchmarks in the immigration process, various language tests are recognized. Under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants are required to undergo a language test approved by Immigrants, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to demonstrate their proficiency. This is where British Council IELTS becomes relevant. Your test results must be included with your application to the CEC, as they provide a standardized measure of your language skills in alignment with the CLB requirements.

It is important to note that the British Council provides a range of resources and support for IELTS preparation, which is crucial for achieving the required scores. Additionally, the availability of British Council IELTS test centers across Canada ensures that applicants have convenient access to testing locations, making the process smoother for those applying through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Furthermore, the British Council’s reputation for reliability and high standards also ensures that the test results are widely recognized and respected, which adds an extra layer of confidence for applicants relying on their IELTS scores for immigration purposes.

Skill levels and language proficiency in Canadian jobs

It is worth reminding that the National Occupation Classification (NOC) is a comprehensive Canadian system that categorizes all occupations within the Canadian labour market.  

1. NOC B Positions

These refer to jobs classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system as Skill Type B. NOC B positions typically require post-secondary education or training and may include technical, skilled trades, administrative, and middle-management roles. Examples of NOC B positions include chefs, plumbers, electricians, administrative assistants, and supervisors in various industries.

2. NOC 0 or A-Level Roles

These represent higher-skilled positions in the NOC system. For example, managerial positions demanding significant experience and expertise. These jobs include senior executives, directors, and senior managers.

3. NOC A

Professional occupations typically requiring a university degree or equivalent education. Examples include engineers, doctors, lawyers and professors.

In terms of language proficiency requirements

• For NOC B positions, applicants must meet a CLB level of 5 (“initial intermediate”, which means having a reading score of 4 in the British Council IELTS and a 5 in the rest of the abilities).

• For NOC 0 or A-level roles, applicants must meet a higher CLB level of 7 (“adequate intermediate proficiency”, which means having a score of 6 in every ability measured by the IELTS), indicating a more advanced level of language proficiency.

4. Exploring job market insights with the National Occupation Classification (NOC)

The NOC is crucial for understanding job market structure and required skills. The government website offers a user-friendly search by job title or NOC code to find detailed occupation information.

Other criteria to be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class

Eligibility for permanent residency under this category is determined by a pass/fail system with the following core criteria:

1. The applicant must have amassed 12 months of full-time specialized work experience in a role classified under Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

1. This qualified Canadian work experience must have been acquired within the 36 months prior to the application date.

1. The applicant must not be deemed inadmissible to Canada due to medical, criminal, or security-related reasons.

1. Qualified work experience

The qualified work experience must be full-time and specialized, equating to 30 hours per week. Part-time work will be considered on a proportional basis.

Work experience in Canada without valid authorization, self-employment, and experience during full-time studies will not be considered.

2. Post-graduation and eligibility

Upon graduating from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after a year of authorized work.  

To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), foreign students need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a recognized institution. This assessment determines if their education matches Canadian certificates, degrees, or diplomas.

Eligible candidates must prepare documents like a passport, language test results, proof of Canadian education or an Educational Credential Assessment Report, provincial nomination (if applicable), job offer or proof of work experience, and proof of funds.  

Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates should respond promptly to start the permanent residence application process.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a straightforward way for international graduates and workers to gain permanent residency. If you meet the work and education requirements and pass the necessary checks, this program helps you make Canada your home.

Related articles:

Top 10 employment opportunities in the Canadian job market
English language proficiency test: IELTS, CELPIP or PTE Core

References:   

Moosapeta, A. (2022, September 7). What is the Canadian experience class?. CIC News. https://www.cicnews.com/2022/09/what-is-the-canadian-experience-class-0930322.html#gs.ayq5xm 

Sabbah, S., Gamal, E., By, Gamal, E., & Sabbah, S. (2023, May 28). National Occupation Classification (NOC). Get In Canada.
https://getincanada.ca/blog/national-occupation-classification-noc/

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. “Language Requirements — Skilled Immigrants (Express Entry).” Aem, 1 Jan. 2015.
www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-requirements.html.

CLB to IELTS | IELTS to CLB | CLB IELTS | British Council. (n.d.). IELTS Test in Canada | British Council. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
https://www.ielts.ca/take-ielts/ielts-for-canadian-immigration/clb-to-ielts/