As an Express Entry candidate, it’s crucial to understand that only specific job offers qualify for Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points under the category of “arranged employment.”
CRS points play a significant role in determining which candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Therefore, candidates are always seeking ways to enhance their CRS score to improve their chances of immigrating to Canada.
One method of boosting CRS score is by securing “arranged employment” for when candidates arrive in Canada. Arranged employment can provide candidates with either 50 or 200 additional CRS points, depending on the circumstances.
However, it’s important to note that not all job offers qualify for CRS points. IRCC specifies the criteria for eligible employment, and these criteria may vary depending on the program under which the candidate is applying.
For candidates applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), eligible job offers must meet the following requirements:
– The job offer must be from a single employer and fall under a specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 code in categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
– It must be continuous, paid, and full-time, comprising at least 30 hours of work per week.
– The job offer must not be seasonal.
– The offer must be valid for at least one year after IRCC issues the candidate their permanent resident (PR) visa.
Additionally, the employer must either have a new positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) approving the offer and naming the worker and their position or a work permit issued based on a positive LMIA.
For candidates applying through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), eligible job offers must meet similar criteria:
– The total employment must be at least 30 hours per week, and the job(s) must be continuous, paid, and full-time, spanning at least one year.
– The work must fall under a qualifying skilled trade occupation under a qualifying NOC.
– The employer(s) must have either a new positive LMIA or a work permit issued based on a positive LMIA.
Candidates with LMIA-exempt work permits may also qualify for CRS points for arranged employment under certain conditions.
It’s essential for candidates to thoroughly understand these requirements and ensure that their job offer meets the necessary criteria to qualify for CRS points.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that a work permit alone does not qualify as a job offer for the purpose of obtaining CRS points in the Express Entry system. A job offer must meet specific criteria outlined by IRCC, including being recent, in writing, full-time, non-seasonal, and at least one year in length from the date the candidate is accepted as a Canadian PR.
