 Canada
Experience Class
On August 9, 2008 the Canadian government published regulations
describing the new "Canada Experience Class." This is a new
immigration category that will make it easier for foreign students
studying in Canada and temporary foreign workers with jobs in Canada
to immigrate to Canada on a permanent basis. The government is now
accepting applications for this class. There is no limit to
the number of persons who can apply for permanent residence each
year in this category. The class is not available for persons
intended to live in the province of Quebec, since Quebec has its own
immigration system.
The regulations create two new "streams" of
immigrants, a student class and a temporary worker class. In either
class, the applicant must have work experience in Canada in a
NOC Level 0, A, or B occupation. This would include professional
positions as well as skilled workers, but not unskilled workers. The requirements
are as
follows:
- Student Class: Must have 12 months of legal full-time work
experience in Canada within the previous 24 months, a Canadian
degree or other credential based on two academic years of full-time study
in Canada (at least 16 months), and must meet the language benchmark for their
occupation.
- Temporary Worker Class: Must have 24 months of legal
full-time work experience in Canada within the previous 36 months, and must
meet the language benchmark for their occupation.
The language benchmark for Level 0 and A occupations are
moderate proficiency in either French or English. For Level B
occupations, it is basic proficiency. Since June 26, 2010 the use of
approved language tests has been required in all cases filed on or
after that date..
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