Immigration News & Updates

Permanent Residency Under Canadian Experience Class

Canada has recently sent out invitations for permanent residency through its Express Entry system, specifically under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This announcement marks a significant opportunity for foreign nationals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada and are now looking to settle as permanent residents.

The latest round of invitations was held on January 8, 2025, where 1,350 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class. If you’ve gained experience working in Canada, this could be your opportunity to transition from temporary work status to permanent residency.

Express Entry Draw for Canadian Experience Class: What You Need to Know

The Express Entry draw No. 332 held on January 8, 2025, had an invitation cutoff Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 542. The CRS score, which is used to rank candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills, determined the lowest-ranking candidate invited in this round.

• Draw Date: January 8, 2025
• Total ITAs Issued: 1,350
• CRS Score Cut-off: 542
• Tie-Breaking Date: December 7, 2024 (01:10:06 UTC)

This round of invitations signifies Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled professionals who have Canadian work experience and are looking to make Canada their permanent home.

Eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class

To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), foreign nationals must meet specific requirements regarding work experience in Canada. Here’s what you need:

1. Minimum Work Experience:
   • You must have at least one year of paid skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years before applying.
   • The work must be full-time (or an equivalent amount of part-time work).
   • Temporary residents working in Canada must have gained their work experience legally.
2. Exclusion of Unpaid Work:
   Volunteering or unpaid internships do not count as eligible skilled work experience. The work experience must be compensated in the form of salary or commission.
3. Work Experience Outside Canada:
   Work experience obtained while residing outside Canada is not eligible unless the applicant was in Canada as a temporary resident.

These criteria ensure that applicants possess the necessary skills and experience to contribute to Canada’s workforce and economy as permanent residents.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Update

On January 7, 2025, Canada also held a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, issuing 471 invitations to applicants with a higher CRS score cutoff of 793. The PNP targets candidates who have the skills needed by specific Canadian provinces and territories.

CRS Score Distribution in the Pool as of January 8, 2025

The CRS score distribution for the Canadian Experience Class pool, as of January 8, 2025, reveals how candidates rank for the express entry invitation:

These numbers help estimate the competitive landscape for future Express Entry draws.

Why Canada’s Canadian Experience Class is Attracting Skilled Workers

The Canadian Experience Class offers an attractive path to permanent residency for foreign workers who have experience in the Canadian job market. Canada’s commitment to attracting skilled professionals, combined with its high standard of living and welcoming immigration policies, makes this a prime opportunity for qualified candidates.

For many, this is an excellent opportunity to build a future in Canada, benefit from social services, and access new career prospects in a stable, growing economy.

Key Takeaways:

• 1,350 ITAs were issued under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in the latest Express Entry draw on January 8, 2025.
• The CRS score cut-off for this draw was 542.
• Eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class requires at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
• The draw reflects Canada’s ongoing focus on attracting skilled workers with Canadian experience.

With the latest round of invitations under the Canadian Experience Class, the opportunity to secure permanent residency in Canada is more accessible than ever. If you have the required work experience in Canada, now is the time to consider your options and take the necessary steps toward your future in Canada.

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