One distinguishing factor of CEC is the Canadian work experience requirement. In order to be eligible for CEC, a candidate must have at least 12-months of full-time, skilled work experience, completed in Canada within the last 3 years before the application (or an equivalent amount in part-time experience). This program is therefore not an option for foreign nationals who do not possess this level of Canadian experience.

In order to count your work experience towards the requirement, the work experience must meet the following conditions:

• Work experience obtained in Canada within the 36 months prior to both: (1) the date an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is received; and, (2) the date of submission of the electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
• Skilled Work experience. This means the experience falls under the NOC Code Skill Level 0, A, or B, and the candidate must have performed the duties set out in the lead statement of the occupational description in the NOC including all the essential duties and most of the main duties listed
• Lawfully obtained work experience in Canada.
• An applicant cannot count work experience obtained while engaged in full-time studies in Canada.

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