Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class, you need to meet the following criteria:

1. Plan to reside outside the province of Quebec.

2. Fall under one of the following categories:

• Hold at least two years of full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience in Canada as a temporary foreign worker.
• Be a foreign graduate of a Canadian post-secondary institution with at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience in Canada.

3. Acquired your work or study experience in Canada with the appropriate authorization.

4. Include the results of an independent language test (from an agency designated by CIC) with your application.

If you apply as a temporary foreign worker, your application will be assessed based on two requirements:

• Your work experience.
• Your proficiency in English or French.

If you apply as a graduate of a Canadian post-secondary educational institution with Canadian work experience, your application will be assessed using the aforementioned requirements, in addition to considering your educational qualifications.

You must have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) work experience in Canada gained after graduation, within two years of applying. Full-time work experience entails working a minimum of 37.5 paid hours per week.

Your work experience can be obtained by applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit after completing your studies. Work permits may be valid for up to three years with no restrictions on the type of work or location.

If you apply based on your Canadian credentials, your education will be assessed. You must complete either:

a. A full-time Canadian post-secondary educational program of at least two years, or

b. A one-year Masters program (certificates and diplomas are not considered) and an additional year of education acquired in Canada before admission into the one-year program (totaling two years of education).

Your program of study must lead to one of the following credentials:

• A diploma, degree, trade or apprenticeship credential from a provincially recognized public post-secondary educational institution such as a college or university.
• A degree from a provincially recognized private post-secondary educational institution.
• A diploma, trade or apprenticeship credential from a private CEGEP.

If you fail to meet the minimum education requirements when applying as a graduate, your application for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class will be rejected.

• Additionally, to qualify for permanent residence, you must demonstrate your proficiency in English or French.