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More information has been released about Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) intentions to deduct points from a job offer under the country’s Express Entry system.
The department recently declared in a press release that this change would be implemented in the spring of 2025.
Changes to CRS Points for Job Offers in Express Entry
At present, candidates in the Express Entry system who have valid job offers can earn an extra 50 or 200 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). These bonus points can often be the deciding factor between receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency and missing out on the opportunity.
The immigration authorities have clarified that removing these extra points for having a valid job offer is a “temporary measure.” However, no timeline has been given for when this change will end.
Who Will Be Affected?
When the withdrawal of CRS points for job offers goes into force, it will affect all candidates in the Express Entry pool, whether they are new entrants or already in the system. This includes temporary workers in Canada.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made no specific industry or job sector announcements. They claimed that once the new regulation is adopted, it will apply to all candidates with valid job offers, regardless of industry.
This change will not affect the following groups:
- Individuals who have already been invited to apply for permanent residency (PR) with a CRS score that included job offer points under the “arranged employment” category.
- Applicants who have already submitted their PR applications to IRCC and are awaiting a decision.
Understanding the Terms: Candidates vs. Applicants
In the Express Entry system, there is a difference between “candidates” and “applicants.”
- Candidates: These are individuals who have created a profile in the Express Entry pool and are being considered for an ITA.
- Applicants: These are individuals who have already received an ITA and submitted their application for PR to IRCC.
Once someone submits their PR application, they transition from being a candidate to an applicant.
Initial Announcement
While having a valid job offer can currently provide an additional 50 or 200 CRS points, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on December 17 that Express Entry candidates seeking permanent residency in Canada will no longer receive additional CRS points for job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Although the announcement confirmed this change, it did not provide details on how it would be implemented or when it would go into effect.
Overview of Canada’s Express Entry System
Canada’s Express Entry system gives extra points to candidates who have arranged employment. This applies to individuals applying through the following programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
To participate, candidates must first create a profile in the Express Entry system. If they qualify for one of the three programs, their profile is evaluated and assigned a score out of 1200 points. This score is determined by a number of criteria, including:
- Age
- Level of education
- Proficiency in official languages (English or French)
- Work experience
Additional Points in the Express Entry System
Candidates can earn up to 600 additional points for factors like:
- Having a sibling who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
- Demonstrating strong French language skills;
- Completing post-secondary studies in Canada;
- Securing arranged employment;
- Securing a nomination from a Canadian provincial or territorial government.
Upcoming Changes in 2025
Starting in the spring of 2025, candidates in the Express Entry pool with valid job offers will no longer receive additional points for arranged employment. This adjustment will impact how points are calculated for many candidates, especially those relying on job offers to boost their CRS scores.