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Canada Canadian Experience Class: requirements
This guide explains how to qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 10 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/canadian-experience-class.html
Who can apply
You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec. If you are a Provincial Nominee, you must settle in the province or territory that nominated you. You must also be admissible to Canada.[1][2][3]
Work experience requirements
You need at least 1 year of work experience, or a total of 1,560 hours, within the 3 years before you apply. This work experience must be paid work, meaning you earned wages or commission.[4][5]
You must have gained this work experience in Canada while authorized to work under temporary resident status. Your skilled work experience must be in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3. You must first find out the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for your job.[6][7][8]
Language requirements
You must take approved language tests in English or French. You must meet the minimum score in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.[9][10]
Checklist
- Find out the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for your job.[8]
- Complete at least 1 year or 1,560 hours of paid work in Canada.[4][5][6]
- Take an approved language test in English or French.[9]
- Meet the minimum language scores in all four abilities.[10]
Questions people ask
Can I apply if I want to live in Quebec?
No. You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec. If you are a Provincial Nominee, you must settle in the province or territory that nominated you.[1][2]
How much work experience do I need for the Canadian Experience Class?
You must have at least 1 year of work or 1,560 hours total in the 3 years before you apply.[4]
Does unpaid work count toward the experience requirement?
No. Your work experience must be paid work, meaning you were paid wages or earned commission.[5]
What job levels qualify for this program?
Your skilled work experience must be in one or more TEER categories: 0, 1, 2, or 3. You must first find out the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for your job.[7][8]
Do I need to take a language test?
Yes. You must take approved language tests in English or French and meet the minimum score in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.[9][10]
Does work experience gained while undocumented count?
No. You must have gained your work experience in Canada while authorized to work under temporary resident status.[6]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.