CEC Candidates in Canada: How to Get Ahead and Who Gets Invited
Where things are heading
Recent moves by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) suggest that upcoming draws will mainly target the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Scores may come down, but not by much.
So, leaving aside points for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which combinations can help you break through?
Take a single applicant aged 29 or under. Depending on your education, where should you start to raise your score? See the tables below.
CEC score combinations
Language results are shown as Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels, and scores are Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
No chance
| Education | Language (CLB) | Canadian work experience | Foreign work experience | CRS score | Consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College diploma | 7 | 1 year | None | 357 | A second credential, switching to the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Bachelor’s degree | 7 | 1 year | None | 394 | Retaking your language test, a second credential, more years of work experience |
| Two credentials | 7 | 1 year | None | 426 | Retaking your language test, more years of work experience |
A chance with extra points
| Education | Language (CLB) | Canadian work experience | Foreign work experience | CRS score | Marked in the chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 8 | 3 years | None | 454 | |
| Bachelor’s degree | 8 | 3 years | 1 year | 492 | Score up |
| Bachelor’s degree | 9 | 2 years | None | 487 | |
| Bachelor’s degree | 9 | 3 years | None | 498 | Score up |
| Bachelor’s degree | 9 | 2 years | 1 year | 537 | Check mark |
| Two credentials | 8 | 3 years | None | 474 | |
| Two credentials | 8 | 3 years | 1 year | 512 | Check mark |
| Two credentials | 9 | 2 years | None | 495 | Score up |
| Two credentials | 9 | 3 years | None | 506 | Check mark |
| Two credentials | 9 | 2 years | 1 year | 545 | Check mark |
Key points
- Retake your language test. Language scores always hit a ceiling. If you can’t push yours any higher, change strategy quickly.
- Earn a second credential. A 3-year post-secondary credential plus a 1-year credential. A certificate program is short and can be taken online, and it earns you education points plus skill transferability points.
- Combine Canadian and foreign work experience. 2 or 3 years of Canadian work experience plus 1 year of foreign work experience is a relatively easy way to earn skill transferability points. So returning to your home country to work for a year after your work permit expires is also an option.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice. Policies can change at any time; always check the latest official announcement.