Maple News reports that Express Entry candidates aiming for Canadian permanent residency can significantly improve their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score through a qualifying job offer. However, not all employment offers are eligible, and the criteria vary across different immigration programs under Express Entry.
CRS points play a central role in Canada’s Express Entry system, as they determine a candidate’s rank in the pool and directly influence the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Candidates applying through any of the Express Entry-aligned programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — are constantly seeking ways to maximize their CRS scores. One proven method is through “arranged employment,” which can add 50 or even 200 CRS points to a candidate’s profile.
To qualify for these valuable points, a job offer must meet specific requirements set by IRCC. For candidates in the FSWP and CEC streams, an eligible job offer must be full-time (minimum 30 hours per week), paid, non-seasonal, and must extend for at least one year beyond the issuance of permanent residency. The offer must also come from a single employer and be in an occupation classified under the 2021 National Occupation Classification (NOC) system within TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Additionally, the employer must have secured a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) that names the applicant and their role. Alternatively, if the candidate is already working in Canada, their job offer may be eligible if their current work permit is tied to an LMIA-approved role in one of the eligible NOC TEER categories.
For foreign nationals, this means that simply holding a job offer isn’t enough; the offer must strictly comply with IRCC’s standards to be CRS-eligible. It’s important that applicants verify their job’s NOC classification and ensure the offer includes all required details, especially around permanence and compensation.
Ultimately, a valid job offer can provide a significant edge in the highly competitive Express Entry selection system. As Canada continues to prioritize economic immigration, knowing the nuances of CRS eligibility can make the difference between waiting in the pool or receiving the coveted ITA.
Maple News continues to provide the latest updates and expert insights on how to navigate the Express Entry process successfully.