Is the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or the Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class faster to get?

The Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is typically faster, around 3–6 months, versus 6–18 months for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

Which costs more, the SC 189 or the CEC?

The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (SC 189) costs more, about $3,035 in official fees, versus $1,570 for the Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or the Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class?

The SC 189 offers a direct path to permanent residency, while the CEC offers a direct path to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do I need a job offer for the SC 189 or the CEC?

No. Neither the SC 189 nor the CEC requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.

Skilled Independent (subclass 189) vs Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class

Australia · SC 189vs Canada · CEC

Quick answerUpdated 2026-05-02

The CEC is the faster route (3–6 months), the CEC is cheaper on official fees ($1,570), both lead to permanent residency. Which fits depends on your nationality, profession, and whether you already have a job offer, the breakdown below maps each visa to a profile.

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

Canada and Australia are the two highest-volume points-based skilled migration destinations. Canada's Express Entry CEC requires Canadian work experience; Australia's 189 doesn't require Australian experience but uses a stricter points test and has been paused for most occupations through 2024-2026. For tech and healthcare profiles outside Australia, Canada is currently the more accessible federal route.

Further reading: Australia 189 visa guide

Section 01

At a glance

SC 189

CEC

Processing time

6–18 months

3–6 months

Application fee

$3,035

$1,570

Initial validity

5 yrs

Path to PR

Yes

Points-based

Yes

Employer sponsor

Not required

Minimum salary

—

Language test

Required

Verified

2026-05-02

Section 02

Which one fits you?

01
Existing in-country experience
Pick SC 189
No Australian experience required, but stricter points test
Pick CEC
12+ months of Canadian skilled work
02
Round activity in 2026
Pick SC 189
189 paused for most occupations; 190 is the active route
Pick CEC
Active CEC and category-based draws every 2-4 weeks
03
Path to citizenship
Pick SC 189
4 years of permanent residency to citizenship
Pick CEC
5 years total to citizenship

Section 03

Common questions

Is the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or the Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class faster to get?: The Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is typically faster, around 3–6 months, versus 6–18 months for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.
Which costs more, the SC 189 or the CEC?: The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (SC 189) costs more, about $3,035 in official fees, versus $1,570 for the Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.
Can I get permanent residency with the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or the Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class?: The SC 189 offers a direct path to permanent residency, while the CEC offers a direct path to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.
Do I need a job offer for the SC 189 or the CEC?: No. Neither the SC 189 nor the CEC requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.

Section 04

Read the full pathway