Maple News reports that foreign nationals holding employer-specific work permits through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program will no longer be eligible for bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment under Express Entry if their permit was issued after December 18, 2024. This change significantly advances the federal government’s wider plan to eliminate job offer-based CRS points in spring 2025.
The adjustment specifically impacts those in the Young Professionals stream—the only IEC category that previously qualified for 50 or 200 CRS points for a valid job offer. Under previous rules, eligible candidates in this stream could boost their Express Entry scores, making them more competitive for permanent residence invitations.
However, only permits issued on or before December 18, 2024, will continue to make candidates eligible for job offer CRS points, provided all other criteria for a valid job offer are met. Those issued on or after December 19, 2024, will no longer carry this advantage under the Express Entry system.
This policy shift stems from changes to the legal and regulatory framework that governs how IEC work permits are issued. Although detailed reasons have not been formally outlined by IRCC, analysts suggest the move reflects a broader federal effort to streamline the Express Entry system and shift the focus toward human capital-based selection factors like education, age, and language proficiency.
Previously, Express Entry candidates could earn 200 points for job offers in senior management roles listed under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) major group 00, or 50 points for valid employment offers in other skilled occupations. These points provided a significant boost in a competitive system where invitations are often determined by small score margins.
While the full phase-out of arranged employment points is expected in spring 2025, the early removal of these points for new IEC permits signals the beginning of a more comprehensive reshaping of Canadian immigration selection policies.
IEC participants and future applicants are encouraged to reassess their Express Entry strategies in response to this shift. Candidates may need to focus more on improving language test scores, completing Canadian education credentials, or gaining eligible skilled work experience inside Canada to remain competitive.
Maple News will continue to monitor updates on Express Entry policies and their potential impact on international professionals seeking permanent residency in Canada.