Overview of the Canada Experience Class Program and Comparison with the FSWP

Canada seems to have multiple immigration programs for international settlers. Each of the programs is categorized into several eligibility criteria based on which one can apply. Under several domains, Express Entry regime is one, which is sought after by many applicants. Going by the category, Express Entry Program such as-

● Federal Skilled Trades Program

● Federal Skilled Worker Program

● Canada Experience Class Program.

For all these programs, the CRS (Comprehensive Rating System) remains the same for the applicants. This suggests that the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) applicants have a slight advantage over the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) or CEC applicants for getting ITA in Express Entry draws.

In addition, the impact of the COVID pandemic on international travel has forced IRCC to focus on skilled workers already residing in Canada. And that is the reason why there has been nine PNP specific along with eight CEC specific draws in the 19 EE conducted in March July.

About Canada Experience Class Program

As the name suggests, this program is for a skilled worker who has experience in certain fields. This immigration program is particularly for those who have at least one year of Canadian work experience and willing to become permanent residents. This seems to be one among the three federal programs managed through Express Entry, the online application portal for skilled workers.

As part of the minimum requirements, the applicants need to meet the language ability of writing, reading, listening, and speaking. The applicant needs to have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years before applying. According to the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC), skilled work experience means-

● Skill Level 0 (Managerial jobs)

● Skill Type A (Technical Jobs and Skilled Trades)

With no minimum educational requirements, the only important eligibility condition is that you need to have language proficiency of CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A positions and CLB 5 or above for NOC B positions.

CEC vs. FSWP Compared

Work Experience

FSWP requires one year of work experience—Canadian or foreign—in the past ten years. CEC requires work experience in Canada only and within the past three years.

Education

You must complete your secondary education to qualify under the FSWP. CEC Canada Experience Class has no minimum education requirements, but this impacts you are EE CRS score negatively. A CEC applicant not submitting details of educational qualification will not get any CRS points for the same. An FSWP applicant will score higher by submitting details of Canadian degree or ECA-supported foreign degree.

The simplest way to avoid this disadvantage is to submit details of your education when applying under the CEC even if you are not required to do so. Of course, you will have to get your foreign educational credential assessed, but this can prove a good investment if it helps you get an ITA faster. CEC is under the spotlight because of the IRCC view that a CEC applicant is more likely to be present in Canada as compared to an FSWP applicant.

However, this will happen only if you are working in Canada and are in the EE pool. You can apply under the CEC from anywhere in the world as long as you fulfil its eligibility requirements, which means you have qualified for an ITA under the latest set of draws despite not being in Canada.

In such a scenario, you should seriously consider obtaining professional immigration assistance to respond to your Invitation to Apply and to complete all procedures and formalities despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.