The Canadian Experience Class for Immigration to Canada

1. Canadian work experience requirement: 

You must have at least 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience within the last three years. Two years of part-time work will also count. This work experience must have been ‘skilled work experience’. Meaning, it must be classified as a managerial, professional, or technical / skilled trade occupation. Under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC), such jobs are listed as having a high skill level of 0, A, or B. Jobs classified as high skilled normally require post-secondary education. If you are unsure about your work skill level, visit the Government of Canada website.

In order for your Canadian work experience to count, you must have performed the duties listed in the job description for that NOC. It goes without saying, that your Canadian work experience must have been legally obtained. This means that you must have had a work permit or authorization to work in Canada for your work history to be considered. Note that work experience that you accumulated in Canada while you were self-employed or studying full-time will not be counted. 

2. Language requirements:

You must meet minimum language requirements in English or French for eligibility. This means every applicant must undergo an approved language test. If you are in Israel, the approved language test for English is the IELTS. Your results must prove that you meet the minimum grade in writing, reading, listening, and speaking. The minimum grades for the Canadian Experience Class will vary depending on your work skill level. If you are applying based on a managerial or professional occupation (NOC 0 or A), you must have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7. This is equivalent to a band score of 6 in all skill areas on your IELTS exam. If you are applying based on a technical / skilled trades occupation (NOC B) you must obtain a CLB 5. Meaning you must receive a band score of 5 in listening, speaking, and writing and 4 in reading. 

3. No education requirement: 

There is no minimum education requirement that you must meet. However, you would do well to record your education history in your Express Entry profile because you can earn points. Note, that if you have non-Canadian education, for instance an Israeli diploma or degree, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). The ECA will confirm that your education is equivalent to a Canadian one.