The Canadian government has made an unexpected policy change that significantly impacts foreign nationals holding employer-specific work permits under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
As of December 18, 2024, candidates in the Young Professionals category of IEC will no longer receive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment.
This policy shift, initially planned for spring 2025, has been implemented months earlier, affecting candidates who relied on these points for their Express Entry applications.
Who Will Be Affected by This Change?
Until now, IEC work permit holders in the Young Professionals category were eligible for additional CRS points for having a valid job offer.
Previously, candidates could receive:
- 200 CRS points for managerial roles under National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 0 (major group 00).
- 50 CRS points for all other eligible occupations under NOC classifications.
Under the new rules:
- Work permit holders whose IEC permits were issued on or after December 18, 2024, will no longer qualify for these additional CRS points.
- Candidates who secured their permits before December 18, 2024, can still benefit from these points, provided they meet all other eligibility conditions.
This sudden cut-off is a major concern for IEC candidates who were relying on these bonus points to increase their Express Entry scores.
Why Is Canada Removing CRS Points for IEC Work Permit Holders?
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) initially announced this policy change in December 2024, stating that the removal of CRS points for arranged employment was planned for spring 2025.
However, the decision to implement the cut-off earlier for IEC work permit holders is part of Canada’s broader effort to reduce LMIA fraud and enhance the fairness of the Express Entry system.
Key reasons for this change:
- Preventing potential misuse of employer-specific work permits.
- Ensuring fairness in the Express Entry ranking process.
- Aligning Canada’s immigration system with long-term workforce needs.
While this decision will not affect candidates who have already applied for permanent residence or those who have received an ITA, it poses a significant challenge for those still in the Express Entry pool.
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How Does This Change Impact Express Entry Candidates?
Losing 50 to 200 CRS points is a major setback for IEC work permit holders competing in the Express Entry pool.
Given that invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residency are only issued to candidates with the highest CRS scores, losing these points could:
- Lower their ranking in Express Entry draws.
- Reduce their chances of receiving an ITA.
- Force candidates to look for alternative ways to improve their CRS scores.
Additionally, candidates who receive an IEC work permit after December 18, 2024, will face an even greater challenge as they lose their points earlier than other Express Entry candidates, who still have time to benefit from arranged employment points until spring 2025.
What Are the Alternative Options for IEC Work Permit Holders?
Since CRS points for arranged employment are no longer available for IEC Young Professionals permit holders, affected candidates should explore alternative ways to boost their Express Entry scores.
| Alternative Strategy | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Improving Language Proficiency (IELTS/CELPIP) | Higher language scores add significant CRS points. |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Receiving a PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points. |
| Gaining More Canadian Work Experience | Work experience in Canada improves CRS ranking. |
| Education in Canada | Studying in Canada increases CRS points and eligibility for PNP streams. |
| Securing a Valid Job Offer With LMIA | A valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) job offer can still provide CRS points. |
These strategies will help candidates compensate for the lost CRS points and enhance their Express Entry profile.
What Should Express Entry Candidates Do Now?
With Canada’s immigration policies evolving, it is crucial for Express Entry applicants to:
- Monitor policy updates from IRCC to stay informed about changes.
- Adjust their immigration strategy by exploring alternative CRS-boosting options.
- Seek professional immigration advice if they are significantly affected by the new rules.
The Express Entry system remains highly competitive, and losing CRS points for arranged employment means that IEC permit holders must find new ways to strengthen their profiles.
FAQs
Who is affected by the CRS points removal for IEC permit holders?
IEC work permit holders under the Young Professionals category whose permits were issued on or after December 18, 2024, will no longer receive CRS points for arranged employment.
Does this change apply to all Express Entry candidates?
No. The early cut-off only applies to IEC Young Professionals work permit holders. Other candidates will continue receiving CRS points for arranged employment until spring 2025.
Can I still qualify for Express Entry without these CRS points?
Yes. You can still apply but may need to increase your CRS score through other means, such as improving your language test scores, gaining more work experience, or obtaining a provincial nomination.
Does this impact candidates who already received an ITA?
No. Candidates who have already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on a CRS score that included arranged employment points will not be affected.
Why did IRCC remove CRS points for IEC work permits?
The change was made to prevent potential misuse of employer-specific work permits and ensure fairness in the Express Entry ranking process.
Will Canada introduce any new pathways for IEC permit holders?
There is no official confirmation, but Canada continues to refine its immigration system, so new opportunities could emerge in the future.
What is the best way to recover lost CRS points?
Consider applying for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), improving language test scores, securing LMIA-backed job offers, or gaining more Canadian work experience.
Where can I get official updates on Express Entry policy changes?
Visit the IRCC website or consult authorized immigration experts for the latest updates.
Conclusion
The early cut-off for bonus CRS points for IEC work permit holders under the Young Professionals category is a significant policy change that will impact Express Entry candidates relying on these points.
Candidates who received their IEC permits on or after December 18, 2024, will no longer qualify for CRS points for arranged employment, forcing them to reassess their immigration strategy.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
