Converting Work Permit to Permanent Residency in Canada with the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program

Converting a Work Permit to Permanent Residency in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

By Setareh Moradian Nejad, Founder of SMILE to Canada

Hello! I am Setareh Moradian Nejad, with over 5 years of experience in immigration consulting. I’m here to guide you on your journey to immigrate to Canada. I know that transitioning from temporary status (such as a work permit) to permanent residency can have its challenges. That’s why, in this series of articles, I aim to help you find the best path to permanent residency.

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Why is it Suitable for Work Permit Holders?

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the main and popular ways to convert a work permit to permanent residency in Canada. This program is designed for individuals who have work experience in Canada and want to use this experience to apply for permanent residency.

Who is eligible for the CEC program?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is suitable for individuals who:

1. Have at least one year of work experience in Canada

If you are working in Canada with a work permit and have at least one year of full-time work experience or two years of part-time work experience in Canada, you can apply for this program.

Note: Your job must be at certain skill levels, meaning in managerial, professional (such as engineers and teachers), or technical and specialized fields. Jobs like service work that do not require high levels of expertise are not included in this program.

2. Language proficiency

You must have a score equivalent to the acceptable level in English or French language tests. Valid tests include IELTS, TOEFL for English and TEF, TCF for French. For example, for specialized occupations, a CLB 7 language level is required, and for technical occupations, CLB 5 is sufficient.

3. No educational requirement

Unlike some other programs, having a degree is not mandatory for the CEC. However, if you hold a valid degree (such as a bachelor’s, master’s, etc.), it can earn you additional points in the Express Entry system.

How does the Express Entry system work?

The CEC program is processed through the Express Entry system. Express Entry is a points-based system that calculates your score based on several different criteria. These criteria include:

• Age
• Work experience
• Educational qualifications
• Language proficiency
• And other factors such as having a job offer in Canada

Steps to Convert Work Permit to Permanent Residency in Canada with the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in Simple Terms:

If you meet the above conditions, you can follow the steps below to apply for the CEC program:

1- Create a Profile in the Express Entry System

You need to create an online profile on the Canada Immigration Website. In this profile, you will enter your personal information, work experience, education, and language test scores.

2-. Evaluation and Scoring:

Based on the information entered, the system will calculate your score. If you achieve a sufficient score, your profile will enter the *Pool* (applicant pool), and you will wait for selection.

3-. Issuance of Invitation

Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your score is high, you may be selected in one of the periodic Express Entry draws and receive an invitation.

4- Submission of Documents

After receiving the invitation, you must submit your documents for review and evaluation.

5- Review and Issuance of Permanent Residence

After the documents are evaluated by the Canadian Immigration Office, your permanent residence will be issued if approved.

Why is CEC the Right Path for Converting a Work Permit to Permanent Residency in Canada?

This method is one of the most popular options for individuals working with a work permit due to its simpler process and focus on work experience in Canada. Some of its advantages include:

• No requirement for a specific educational credential
• Fast processing of applications
• No need for a job offer (while some other programs require a job offer)

Important Recommendations:

• Enhance your work experience and language skills: If your score is below the desired threshold, improving your language proficiency or adding more work experience can increase your chances.
• Credential equivalency: If your academic credentials are from outside Canada, make sure to get them assessed for equivalency. This process is done through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), which can help you earn additional points at this stage.
• Other required documents and certificates: Additional documents you need to prepare include a police clearance certificate and a medical certificate. These are essential for completing your Express Entry profile, and delays in providing them may reduce your chances of acceptance.
• Create your Express Entry profile early:
  Even if you haven’t completed all the necessary requirements yet, it’s recommended to create your profile in the Express Entry system. One key feature of this system is that no one knows when the next draw will take place. During specific draws, the minimum score may decrease, increasing your chances of selection. By having an active profile, you maintain your eligibility and are ready to submit your documents if you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
• Consult with an immigration consultant: Sometimes, small adjustments to your case can increase your score, and this improvement can make the difference between receiving an invitation or not.

Receiving Consultation

In future articles, we can explore other programs such as the *Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)* and the *Startup Visa Program* to introduce more options for transitioning from temporary status to permanent residency.

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