Influencing Job Offers on Your Express Entry CRS Score

A job offer significantly affects your CRS score in the Express Entry system, but not all job offers qualify for points under "arranged employment." Securing an ITA from IRCC and enhancing your CRS score hinge on your understanding of the criteria for these job offers. Let's delve into how job offers influence your Express Entry CRS score.

The CRS score plays a vital role in the Express Entry pool by evaluating candidate profiles. Higher CRS scores typically result in more frequent invitations to apply for permanent residence in Canada. To optimize your CRS score and progress in the immigration process, ensure that your job offer meets the IRCC's stipulated conditions.

Prospective immigrants applying through Express Entry, whether via the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC), are continuously seeking ways to enhance their CRS scores.

Securing "arranged employment" before your arrival in Canada is a viable strategy to boost your CRS score, potentially earning you an additional 50 to 200 points, a significant advantage in the immigration process.

IRCC emphasizes that not all job offers are eligible for CRS points. The criteria for qualifying employment through an agency vary depending on the specific immigration program. To ensure your job offer contributes to your CRS score, it's crucial to understand these conditions thoroughly.

Eligibility Criteria for CRS Points – FSWP and CEC

To qualify for CRS points for "arranged employment" in the FSWP or the CEC, candidates must ensure their job offer meets the following criteria:

• The job must be with a single employer and align with an occupation under the NOC 2021 system in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• It must be continuous, paid, full-time, requiring a minimum of 30 hours of work per week.
• The position should not be seasonal.
• The job offer must remain valid or continue for at least one year after IRCC issues the candidate a PR visa.
• The employer must either possess a new positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) naming the specific position and worker, or the candidate must hold a work permit granted based on a positive LMIA.

Candidates presently employed in Canada must meet the following conditions:

• Hold a work visa for a position in NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Work for an employer specified on their work permit.
• Be legally authorized to work in Canada at the time of applying for a permanent resident (PR) visa and upon its issuance.
• Receive a full-time job offer from their current employer(s) if their PR application is approved.

Foreign nationals holding a valid work visa exempt from the LMIA, for a position within NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, may qualify for CRS points for "arranged employment" if they fulfill the following conditions:

Currently employed by an employer specified on the work permit.

• Have accumulated one year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time work) with that employer.
• Possess a valid job offer from that employer for at least one year, starting from the date IRCC issues the candidate's permanent resident visa.

FSTP

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) candidates seeking CRS points for "arranged employment" must adhere to specific criteria for their job offer, including:

• Requiring a minimum of 30 hours of work per week, which can be met through separate job offers from up to two employers.
• Involving continuous, paid, full-time work for at least one year, totaling at least 30 hours per week.
• Applying for a job within a qualified skilled trade occupation under a recognized NOC code.

The employer(s) must hold a work permit issued based on a positive LMIA or possess a new, positive LMIA validating the employment offer and identifying both the worker and their role. This requirement applies to foreign nationals employed in skilled trade positions in Canada.

Foreign nationals applying for the FSTP should note that if they acquire a work permit through a positive LMIA, they must adhere to the following:

• Work for an employer specified on their work permit.
• Be legally authorized to work in Canada both at the time of applying for a permanent residency (PR) visa and when the visa is granted.
• Obtain a full-time job offer from their current employer(s) if accepted as a permanent resident. The job offer must fall under the same three-digit NOC category as their current position and be valid for at least one year.

Additionally, foreign citizens may qualify for CRS points for "arranged employment" if they fall into one of the following categories and possess a valid work permit exempt from the LMIA:

• Employed by a company listed on the work permit.
• Have accrued one year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time work) with the specified employer(s) listed on the work permit extending a job offer.
• Hold a valid job offer from the employer for at least one year from the date IRCC issues the permanent resident visa.

Determining If Your Work Permit Qualifies as a Job Offer for Express Entry

According to IRCC, a work permit does not count as a job offer for the purposes of earning CRS points as an Express Entry application, regardless of whether the candidate is holding the permit domestically or overseas.

A job offer needs to comply with the following in order to meet Express Entry requirements:

• Employment Status: The position should be full-time and non-seasonal.
• Duration of Employment: Guarantee a minimum employment duration of one year from the date of obtaining Canadian permanent residency.
• LMIA Requirement: Include a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), unless exempt from this requirement.
• Employer’s Nature: The job offer must not originate from an embassy, high commission, or consulate in Canada.
• Job Specifics: The job offer must specify critical details like salary, deductions, responsibilities, and other employment conditions, including working hours.

Navigating Express Entry and Understanding CRS Scores with Pelican Migration Consultants

Pelican Migration Consultants can provide invaluable assistance to residents of the Middle East who are looking to understand their CRS score and navigate the Express Entry approval process. Our team of experienced consultants offers personalized guidance and support, helping applicants assess their eligibility, optimize their CRS score, and compile a strong application package. From evaluating job offers to ensuring compliance with immigration requirements, Pelican Migration Consultants is dedicated to facilitating a smooth and successful immigration journey to Canada. 

Turn to Pelican Migration Consultants for expert assistance in streamlining your immigration journey. Our committed consultants are ready to assist you every step of the way. Reach out to us at [email protected] without hesitation.