Canada · Skilled Worker Visa

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — Express Entry

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-08 · Our methodology
5.5/10 diff
Challenging

For temporary workers already in Canada. Requires 1 year (≥1,560 hours) continuous full-time skilled work (TEER 0/1/2/3)…

Min income
Processing
Path to PR
Yes
Job offer
Required
Direct answer

For temporary workers already in Canada. Requires 1 year (≥1,560 hours) continuous full-time skilled work (TEER 0/1/2/3) IN CANADA in past 3 years with valid temporary status. No education or settlement-funds requirement. Language CLB 7 for TEER 0/1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3. Self-employment and study-period work do NOT count. Top route for international graduates with PGWP experience. Direct PR via Express Entry. Same fees as FSW. | [B1 2026-07-15] program_status fica NULL: em canada.ca o scan de keywords deu 2 falsos "sem encerramento" provados (CA-W-017 "Status: paused"; canada-PROT-09…

At a Glance

Visa Duration
Processing Time
Min Income
Path to PR
Yes
Difficulty
5/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsorship RequiredYes
Health Insurance RequiredNo

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Path to Permanent ResidencyYes

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Toronto
Single (monthly)€2,590
Family (monthly)€4,850
Rent 1BR (center)€1,551
Groceries€648
Transport pass€155
Vancouver
Single (monthly)€2,690
Family (monthly)€5,050
Rent 1BR (center)€1,781
Groceries€672
Transport pass€161
Montreal
Single (monthly)€2,000
Family (monthly)€3,850
Rent 1BR (center)€1,181
Groceries€500
Transport pass€120

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — Express Entry?

For temporary workers already in Canada. Requires 1 year (≥1,560 hours) continuous full-time skilled work (TEER 0/1/2/3) IN CANADA in past 3 years with valid temporary status. No education or settlement-funds requirement. Language CLB 7 for TEER 0/1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3. Self-employment and study-period work do NOT count. Top route for international graduates with PGWP experience. Direct PR via Express Entry. Same fees as FSW. | [B1 2026-07-15] program_status fica NULL: em canada.ca o scan de keywords deu 2 falsos "sem encerramento" provados (CA-W-017 "Status: paused"; canada-PROT-09…

Can the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — Express Entry lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway can lead to permanent residence, subject to meeting the residence and other conditions. We do not publish a qualifying timeline for this route because we have no official source stating one; check with the relevant authority for the current residence requirement.

Are there alternative pathways to Canada?

Yes. Canada offers 23 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Canada country page.

What is the cost of living in Canada?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Toronto: €2,590/mo; Vancouver: €2,690/mo; Montreal: €2,000/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-08 · See our methodology

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