Canadian experience class (CEC): Qualifying work experience

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

Work experience need not be continuous under the Canadian experience class (CEC).

The employment requirements listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) description are not applicable.

Applicants do not have to be employed at the time of application, but they must have had temporary resident status during the qualifying period of work experience acquired in Canada.

Any periods of self-employment or unauthorized work will not be included in calculating the period of work experience A person who has worked in Canada without authorization has failed to comply with of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), and on that basis could be found inadmissible.