Education Points for International Students
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) awards points for education completed in Canada. For Express Entry, having a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate can earn up to 30 additional points if the program was at least one year full-time and completed at a designated learning institution. You do not need to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for a Canadian credential.
Work Experience Requirements
CEC requires at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years before applying. This experience must be in a job classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, or 2. Full-time work counts as 30 hours per week for 12 months, or an equivalent amount in part-time. You can also combine different part‑time jobs to meet the requirement.
Provincial Nominee Pathways
Provinces and territories have their own immigration streams that can nominate international graduates. A nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) gives 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, effectively guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Most PNP streams require a job offer and often target students with Canadian credentials and local work experience.
FAQ
Do I need a job offer to apply under CEC?
No. The Canadian Experience Class does not require a job offer, unlike many Provincial Nominee Program streams.
Can work during studies count toward CEC?
Only work experience gained after graduation on a post-graduation work permit is eligible. Co-op terms and on-campus jobs done while studying are not counted.
How long after graduation can I apply?
As long as you have at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience gained within the last 3 years, you can submit an Express Entry profile.