Canada’s Express Entry system has long been a cornerstone of the country’s immigration framework, offering skilled workers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency.
A key element of this system is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assesses candidates on various factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
For years, having arranged employment in Canada significantly boosted a candidate’s CRS score, making it an attractive feature for those seeking to immigrate.
Arranged employment, in essence, refers to a valid job offer in Canada, supported by specific documentation.
This feature has been a powerful incentive for candidates and employers alike, serving as a bridge between skilled immigrants and Canada’s labor market needs.
However, in a major policy shift announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), additional CRS points for job offers under arranged employment are set to be removed in the spring of 2025.
Read on to find out what arranged employment has traditionally entailed in the CRS framework, the implications of the upcoming changes, and what it means for prospective immigrants aiming for Express Entry success.
Recent Changes to Arranged Employment in Express Entry
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced plans to remove additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers under the Express Entry system in spring 2025.
Currently, candidates with valid job offers can receive an extra 50 or 200 CRS points, which significantly enhance their chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
This change will apply to all new and existing candidates in the Express Entry pool, including those already working temporarily in Canada.
However, it will not affect individuals who have already received an ITA or have submitted their permanent residence applications.
IRCC describes this adjustment as a temporary measure but has not specified an end date.
What was Arranged Employment or ‘Job Offer’ in Express Entry?
In the context of Canada’s Express Entry system, arranged employment referred to a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that met specific criteria outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
To qualify as arranged employment, the job offer had to be full-time, non-seasonal, and for a duration of at least one year.
Additionally, it often required supporting documentation, such as a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), unless exempt under specific international agreements or provincial programs.
If you secured such a job offer, it indicated that a Canadian employer was willing to hire you and, in many cases, was unable to find a suitable Canadian worker for the role.
This made your profile more attractive in the Express Entry pool, as it demonstrated your immediate contribution to the Canadian labor market.
The validity and specifics of the job offer were critical, as incomplete or non-compliant offers would not qualify for CRS points.
How did Arranged Employment Impact CRS Score?
Arranged employment played a significant role in boosting your CRS score under the Express Entry system. Depending on the type of job, it could add either 50 or 200 points to your score.
For example, senior managerial positions and certain high-demand roles often earned the maximum additional points.
These extra points gave you a substantial advantage in receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency, especially in highly competitive draws where every point counted.
If your CRS score was below the cut-off for an ITA, having a valid job offer could have been the difference between success and waiting longer in the pool.
With IRCC’s upcoming changes in 2025, however, these additional points will no longer be available, making other aspects of your profile even more critical.
Alternative Paths to Canadian Immigration
If arranged employment is no longer a viable pathway for you under the updated Express Entry system, don’t worry, Canada offers numerous other immigration options tailored to different skills, qualifications, and circumstances.
One option is improving your CRS score through higher language test results or additional education credentials.
For example, scoring higher in the IELTS or CELPIP exams can significantly boost your language points.
Pursuing further studies in Canada can also help you gain more points for education and Canadian work experience.
You could explore provincial nominee programs (PNPs), which allow provinces to nominate individuals based on their specific economic needs.
Many PNPs prioritize candidates with skills or experience in in-demand occupations.
Other programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) are designed for individuals willing to live and work in smaller communities.
These pathways often have unique eligibility criteria but can offer a quicker and more targeted route to permanent residency.
Finally, if you’re already in Canada, gaining Canadian work experience or studying here can make you eligible for programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
While the policy landscape evolves, adapting your strategy and exploring alternative pathways ensures you can still achieve your goal of immigrating to Canada.
Conclusion
The removal of additional CRS points for arranged employment represents a significant turning point in the Express Entry system.
This shift reflects IRCC’s evolving approach to aligning immigration policies with Canada’s dynamic economic and labor market needs.
While the change may pose challenges for some candidates, it underscores the importance of adaptability in immigration strategies and the value of maximizing points in other areas such as education, language proficiency, and work experience.
For aspiring immigrants, understanding the implications of these changes is critical. It requires a proactive approach to securing valid job offers, meeting eligibility requirements, and staying updated with the latest policy updates.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration system, candidates must leverage all available tools and resources to navigate the journey to permanent residency effectively.
This shift marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Express Entry program, one that prioritizes holistic candidate profiles over individual factors like job offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is arranged employment in Express Entry?
Arranged employment refers to a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that meets specific criteria, often supported by a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This job offer has traditionally boosted a candidate’s CRS score under Express Entry.
- What are the new changes in Express Entry?
Starting spring 2025, IRCC will no longer award additional CRS points for arranged employment or valid job offers under Express Entry. This change applies to both new and existing candidates in the Express Entry pool.
- What is the latest CRS for Express Entry?
The latest CRS scores vary by draw and category. Candidates should regularly monitor updates from IRCC to understand current cut-off scores for invitations to apply.
- Is LMIA removed in Canada?
LMIA has not been removed; it remains a requirement for certain job offers to be considered valid for immigration purposes, depending on the program.
- How to get 67 points for Canada PR?
To score 67 points for eligibility, candidates must meet specific benchmarks in areas such as education, language proficiency, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability.
- What is considered a valid job offer for Express Entry?
A valid job offer typically requires a written offer for full-time, non-seasonal work lasting at least one year, supported by an LMIA unless exempt under specific agreements or programs.