Immigration in the Canadian Experience Class

Following proposals included in the 2003 implementation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Canada's Minister of Immigration has publish proposal regarding the Canadian Experience Class. This class of immigration, complementing the Skilled Worker class and Provincial Nominee Programs, will permit certain foreign graduates and foreign workers to apply for fast-tracked immigration within Canada.

Under the proposed changes, graduates of certain Canadian post-secondary academic institutions with Canadian work experience would need to meet the following minimum requirements:

• graduation from a minimum of a two-year program at a public of private post-secondary institution, accredited and legislatively authorized to grant degrees;
• valid temporary resident status in Canada at the time of their application;
• at least one year of skilled, professional or technical work experience (National Occupation Classification code 0, A, or B); and
• moderate or basic language skills, depending on occupational skill level.

Similarly, a foreign worker can qualify by meeting the following minimum requirements:

• valid temporary resident status in Canada at the time of their application;
• at least two years of skilled, professional or technical work experience (National Occupation Classification code 0, A, or B);
• moderate or basic language skills, depending on occupational skill level.

The proposed amendments to the legislation are presently under discussion. Final changes to the legislation will following the discussion period.