Which application is right for me?

[c0d1f1ed]

Hi,

I'm from Belgium and I've been living and working in Canada for 17 months now as a software developer on a work permit. I have a master's degree in engineering (computer science) and my wife is a physics engineer doing a bit of iPhone/Mac development contract work.

It appears that I'm eligible to apply for permanent residency both under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program? What are the main differences between them, and why should I choose one over the other?

It seems that both require me to have my language skills assessed, even though I got the work permit without that and I've been living here for a while without anyone questioning my language proficiency. Is there any way to avoid the cost and trouble of this test? If not, would you recommend CELPIP-G or IELTS (would take the test in Ottawa)?

Sorry for the many questions. There's lots of information available online, but the more I read the more I get confused about the options and requirements... Any helps is greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,
N.

 

[wilson]

l would recommend Canadian Experience Class ( CEC )for you.
Applicants for CEC must must have:

Obtained at least one year of skilled, professional or technical work experience in Canada within 36 months of the application date; Only applicants with NOC 0, A or B work experience would continue to qualify for the CEC.

and

Met or surpassed a Canadian Language Benchmark threshold of 5 ("inital intermediate") or 7 ("adequate intermediate proficiency") depending on the level of the job. Minimum language abilities would be required in each of the four abilities (reading, writing, oral comprehension and speaking).

Applicants can remain in Canada throughout the application process.
Canadian Experience Class is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada, provided that they submit their application within one year of leaving their job in Canada.

 

[c0d1f1ed]

Thanks for your advice! Is there any specific reason why FSW is less recommended? Processing time, requirements, cost? I'm just confused there are two very similar programs to begin with. If CEC is preferred over FSW, who would be eligible for FSW but not CEC? Thanks again.

 

[c0d1f1ed]

Does everyone else support wilson's opinion on this? What are the key disadvantages of FSW for my case? Any advice on the language assessment? Thanks.

 

[scylla]

I'll help with one question. The language assessment is mandatory regardless of whether you go the FSW or CEC route. Unlikely anyone will be able to give you a recommendation between CELPIP and IELTS since very few have taken both. Only IELTS is available outside of Canada - consequently this is what the vast majority have taken.