In a major announcement, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has declared that Express Entry candidates will no longer earn additional points for having a job offer. This change, aimed at reducing fraud in the immigration system, removes incentives to misuse Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for boosting Express Entry scores. The new policy will come into effect in spring 2025 and will impact both new and existing candidates, including those temporarily working in Canada.
Previously, having a valid job offer could significantly improve a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. However, under the revised system, job offers will no longer carry the same weight, leveling the playing field for candidates.
What is Comprehensive Ranking System
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used to evaluate and rank profiles in the Express Entry pool. It assesses candidates based on factors such as skills, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other criteria. To receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), a candidate’s CRS score must exceed the minimum cut-off for their round of invitations, which may vary with each round.
Understanding express entry points
Under Canada’s Express Entry system, candidates applying through programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) can earn additional CRS points for arranged employment. These extra points often play a pivotal role in determining whether a candidate receives an ITA for permanent residency.
Why this change?
The measure aims to reduce fraudulent practices such as the buying and selling of LMIAs, which some candidates used to unfairly enhance their CRS scores. According to IRCC, the new rules will ensure a fairer and more transparent immigration process while maintaining Canada’s focus on selecting skilled and qualified individuals.
Who will be affected?
The changes are likely to impact candidates planning to migrate to Canada for work or those currently on temporary work visas. However, candidates who have already received an ITA or have their applications in progress will remain unaffected.
Impact on Indian candidates
India continues to dominate Canada’s immigration landscape. Between 2013 and 2023, the number of Indians immigrating to Canada surged by 326%, rising from 32,828 to 129,715, according to an NFAP analysis cited by Forbes. In 2023 alone, Indians received 52,106 ITAs, accounting for 47.2% of total invitations under the Express Entry route, according to a TNN report.
With job offer points being devalued, genuine Indian applicants may face setbacks, especially students transitioning from study permits to work permits and those currently employed on temporary visas. For instance, students completing their studies often secure jobs to strengthen their CRS scores. The new rule may deter some from pursuing education or employment opportunities in Canada. Following setbacks can be seen for India candidates:
Reduced Advantage for Job Offers: Indian candidates relying on job offers to boost their CRS scores will lose this advantage, making it harder to stand out in the Express Entry pool.
Challenges for Students Transitioning to Work: Indian students in Canada, who often use job offers after graduation to enhance their scores, may face increased competition and difficulty in securing permanent residency.
Increased Importance of CRS Fundamentals: The removal of job offer points places greater emphasis on other CRS components such as education, language proficiency, and work experience, requiring Indian applicants to focus on these areas.
Higher Competition Among Candidates: Without the additional points for arranged employment, the competition among Indian candidates and others in the Express Entry pool will likely intensify, requiring stronger overall profiles.
