Canada’s Express Entry system is the primary pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. Within this system, candidates may qualify under one or more of three main programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Among these, the FSWP and CEC are the most commonly used pathways.
While both fall under Express Entry and follow similar application processes, they target different types of candidates and have distinct eligibility criteria. This blog explains the key differences between Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) to help you determine which pathway fits your profile best.
- What Is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is designed for skilled professionals living outside or inside Canada who meet a set of selection criteria and do not necessarily have Canadian work experience.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify under FSWP, you must:
- Have at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time)skilled work experience in the past 10 years, outside or inside Canada (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
- Meet the language requirement(CLB 7 or higher in English or French).
- Have a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)if your education was obtained outside Canada.
- Score at least 67 out of 100points on the FSW selection grid, which includes factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability.
- Demonstrate sufficient settlement fundsunless you already have a valid job offer in Canada.
- What Is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
The Canadian Experience Class is meant for individuals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada and want to transition to permanent residency. It is ideal for temporary foreign workers and international graduates with post-graduation work experience.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify under CEC, you must:
- Have at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience(NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in the last three years before applying.
- Meet language requirementsbased on your job:
- TEER 0 or 1: CLB 7
- TEER 2 or 3: CLB 5
- Have gained work experience under temporary resident status with authorization to work.
- Key Differences Between FSWP and CEC
| Criteria | Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) |
| Work Experience Requirement | 1 year of continuous skilled work (inside or outside Canada) | 1 year of skilled work in Canada within the last 3 years |
| Education Requirement | Yes – minimum high school diploma + ECA (if foreign) | No formal education requirement, but helps with CRS |
| Language Requirement | CLB 7 or higher for all NOC categories | CLB 7 (TEER 0 or 1), CLB 5 (TEER 2 or 3) |
| Settlement Funds | Required unless you have a valid job offer | No |
| Points-Based Eligibility | Must score 67/100 on FSW selection grid | No points threshold required to enter pool |
| Ideal For | Skilled workers living abroad or in Canada | Temporary workers or graduates with Canadian work experience |
- What Happens After You Qualify Under Either Program?
Once you meet the requirements for FSWP or CEC and create an Express Entry profile, you will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Candidates with the highest scores in the Express Entry pool are invited to apply for permanent residence during periodic draws.
IRCC has also begun conducting category-based draws, targeting fields such as healthcare, STEM, trades, and French-speaking candidates. CEC candidates often benefit from domestic ties and adaptability factors, while FSWP candidates with high education, language proficiency, and international experience can also be highly competitive.
How Our Immigration Law Firm Can Help
At Fridman and Company, we specialize in helping skilled professionals navigate the complexities of Express Entry, whether under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
Whether you’re applying from abroad or transitioning from temporary status in Canada, we can help you confidently move toward permanent residency through the most effective path. Contact us today at 204-944-8889 or email us at lawoffice@fridman.ca for personalized support.
References
• IRCC – Federal Skilled Worker Program
• IRCC – Canadian Experience Class
• IRCC – Express Entry Overview
• IRCC – Settlement Funds Requirement
• IRCC – CRS Criteria