The CEC program is open to skilled workers with at least one year of continuous, paid work experience in Canada within the last three years. This experience must be in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A, or B category. Additionally, you'll need to meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score depending on your NOC level (CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A, CLB 5 for NOC B). While there's no formal education requirement, having a Canadian degree or diploma can improve your overall application score.
No, your work experience for the CEC program doesn't have to directly match your field of study. As long as your experience falls under NOC 0, A, or B and was legal with valid work authorization, it qualifies. However, relevant work experience can strengthen your application and potentially boost your CRS score.
While you can apply for CEC through Express Entry if residing in Canada, keep in mind it's for provinces outside Quebec. Quebec has its own skilled worker selection process. If your goal is permanent residency in Quebec, you'll need to explore their specific programs.
There are several ways to increase your chances:
Boost your language skills: Aim for a higher CLB score than the minimum requirement.
Gain additional work experience: More experience, especially in high-demand NOC categories, can be beneficial.
Pursue higher education: A Canadian diploma or degree can add points to your application.
Consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces offer additional points through their PNP streams aligned with CEC.