EXPRESS ENTRY SHAKE-UP: IEC PERMIT HOLDERS LOSE CRS POINTS

Immigration law

20 Mar

Canada's Express Entry system is getting a makeover, and not the fun kind. Starting December 18, 2024, International Experience Canada (IEC) employer-specific work permit holders will lose those sweet, sweet CRS points for arranged employment. Looks like the immigration game just got a little harder.

This change mainly hits people in the Young Professionals category, making it tougher for them to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Plus, by spring 2025, all extra CRS points for arranged employment will be gone for good.

Good news for IEC work permit holders who got their permits before December 18, 2024-you are grandfathered in. As long as your job offer ticks all the right boxes, you will still get those precious CRS points. It’s like being the last person allowed on a rollercoaster before it shuts down.

In the past -  foreign workers in the Young Professionals stream of IEC could score either 50 or 200 CRS points for arranged employment, based on their National Occupational Classification (NOC) level: 200 CRS points for NOC TEER 0 (managerial roles in major group 00) or 50 CRS points for other eligible NOC jobs.

However, under the new rule -  If your IEC work permit was issued after December 18, 2024, say goodbye to those CRS points for arranged employment….ouch! But don’t worry, this only affects the Young Professionals category, since it was the only IEC stream handing out CRS points for job offers in the first place. If you snagged your permit before the deadline, you’re still in luck, as long as your job offer checks all the right boxes. It’s like sneaking into an exclusive party just before the bouncer showed up!!!

The government has not given a clear reason for making this change before the big CRS update in spring 2025, but here is what’s likely going on:

1.  Stopping LMIA Scams: They want to crack down on fraud related to Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), which are often needed for job offers.

2.  Making Express Entry Tougher: Canada wants to make sure only highly skilled workers with strong CRS scores get Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

3.  Getting Ready for 2025 Changes: The government has already said that all extra CRS points for arranged employment will be gone by spring 2025.

Basically, they are cleaning house before the big remodel.

Losing 50–200 CRS points could seriously hurt Express Entry ranking. Without those extra points, many IEC candidates might end up below the cut-off score for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This means your chances of getting an ITA could drop, especially if you were counting on a job offer to boost your score.

You might face longer wait times for permanent residency, so get comfy and tougher competition in the Express Entry pool, where things like work experience and education will matter more than ever. 

At RRM Law, we've got your back through every twist and turn of the Express Entry process. We will assess your situation and create a personalized strategy to boost your CRS score, guide you through the entire application process, and help you apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that could add 600 CRS points to your profile. 

If Express Entry is not the best fit, we will explore alternative immigration pathways like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), or family sponsorship. Plus, we will make sure your application is error-free, reducing the risk of delays or rejections

If this change hits you hard, don’t worry - there are still plenty of ways to boost your CRS score and improve your chances of getting permanent residency:

1.  Get More Work Experience: Canadian work experience is still a big deal in Express Entry. If you can, stick around longer to earn extra points.

2.  Level Up Your Language Skills: Scoring higher on the IELTS or CELPIP tests can give your CRS score a nice bump. It might be worth retaking the test if needed.

3.  Go for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Some provinces offer PNPs that can score you a whopping 600 CRS points—basically a golden ticket to an ITA!

4.  Check Out Other PR Options: Programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) could offer you another path to permanent residency.

So, keep your chin up, there is more than one way to cross the border. Speak with an experienced Immigration Lawyer today. In addition to immigration services, RRM Law offers support in other legal areas, such as criminal defense attorney, real estate lawyer, and family law attorney. Call: 905-798-3776