New Express Entry Rules: Could Your Job Earn You 100 Extra CRS Points?

Beginning November 8, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing changes to how Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points are calculated for eligible Express Entry candidates. If you are waiting for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence through an Express Entry stream, these changes could mean you qualify for more points than you initially anticipated.

The new Labour Market Integration factor introduces additional CRS points for certain candidates based on their Canadian work experience in eligible high-wage occupations or a qualifying job offer in an eligible high-wage occupation.

For candidates who meet the requirements, these changes could make a meaningful difference to their overall CRS score and improve their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

How Will the New High-Wage Occupation CRS Points Work?

The NOC codes listed on the IRCC website are grouped into three categories based on the wage levels associated with eligible occupations. Each category represents a different wage threshold relative to the average median wage.

The three wage categories are:

1. 2x the median wage: NOC codes for eligible occupations where the wage threshold is at least twice the average median wage.
2. 1.5x the median wage: NOC codes for eligible occupations where the wage threshold is at least 1.5 times the average median wage.
3. 1.3x the median wage: NOC codes for eligible occupations where the wage threshold is at least 1.3 times the average median wage.

The additional CRS points available depend on the applicable wage category. Candidates in the highest category may qualify for up to 100 additional CRS points, while those in the other categories may qualify for 70 or 50 additional points, respectively, subject to IRCC’s eligibility requirements.

It is important to note that working in a high-paying job does not automatically make you eligible for these additional points. Your occupation must meet the applicable requirements, and your work experience or job offer must qualify under the new rules.

What Is the Labour Market Integration Factor?

The Labour Market Integration factor is a new component of the CRS that recognizes certain forms of Canadian work experience and qualifying job offers in eligible high-wage occupations.

It includes points for either:

• Canadian work experience: Points based on how long you have worked in Canada, with additional points for experience in eligible high-wage occupations.
• A qualifying job offer: Additional points for a job offer that meets IRCC’s requirements for an eligible high-wage occupation.

You can only receive points through one of these pathways, not both. If you qualify under both, the applicable rules determine which pathway can be used to calculate your additional CRS points, or whichever one you receive more points for.

This means that candidates should review their individual circumstances carefully to determine which pathway may provide the greatest number of points towards their Express Entry profile

How Are the Additional CRS Points Calculated?

For candidates claiming points through Canadian work experience, the total will be calculated by combining the applicable points for their high-wage occupation level with the points associated with the length of their qualifying Canadian work experience, in accordance with IRCC’s rules.

For example, two candidates working in eligible occupations may not receive the same number of additional CRS points if they have different amounts of qualifying Canadian work experience or fall under different wage categories.

Candidates pursuing the qualifying job offer pathway will need to ensure that their offer meets the applicable requirements.

To determine whether you qualify, you should review your occupation’s NOC code, your work experience, and the relevant eligibility criteria before updating your Express Entry profile.

Which Occupations Qualify for the Additional CRS Points?

IRCC has published a list of eligible NOC codes for the high-wage occupation categories. If your occupation appears on the list, you may be eligible for additional CRS points, provided you meet the other applicable requirements.

To review the complete list of eligible occupations and determine whether your NOC code qualifies, consult the official IRCC page.

Before making any changes to your Express Entry profile, ensure that your NOC code accurately reflects your job duties and responsibilities. Your job title alone may not be sufficient to establish that your occupation qualifies.

Will the New CRS Points Guarantee an Invitation to Apply?

No. Even if your occupation qualifies for additional CRS points, this does not guarantee that you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.

However, a higher CRS score can improve your competitiveness in Express Entry draws. The number of invitations issued, the type of draw, the CRS cut-off score, and the eligibility requirements for a particular round all affect whether a candidate receives an invitation.

These changes could therefore benefit candidates who are already in the Express Entry pool but need a higher CRS score to become more competitive.

If you are expecting an invitation, it may be worth reviewing your profile to determine whether you could qualify for the additional points under the new Labour Market Integration factor.

How Do These Changes Relate to Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)?

Alongside the changes to CRS points, IRCC has also announced changes relating to Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for qualifying candidates who receive job offers in high-wage occupations.

Whether an LMIA is required depends on the applicable immigration program, exemption category, and other requirements. Candidates should review the specific rules applicable to their situation rather than assume that every job offer in an eligible high-wage occupation is exempt from the LMIA process.

Understanding the relationship between a qualifying job offer, LMIA requirements, and the new CRS rules can help candidates assess their available options.

How Can These Changes Affect Your Express Entry Profile?

The introduction of the Labour Market Integration factor could provide an important opportunity for eligible candidates to increase their CRS scores. Depending on the applicable category and requirements, candidates may qualify for up to 100 additional CRS points.

However, eligibility depends on more than simply earning a high wage or working in a particular field. Your NOC code, Canadian work experience, job offer, and the specific rules established by IRCC all need to be considered.

If you are currently in the Express Entry pool or planning to submit a profile, reviewing these changes may help you better understand your options and determine whether you could benefit from the new rules.

Need help understanding how the new CRS rules could affect your Express Entry profile? Contact us at Canadim to discuss your situation and explore your options for Canadian PR.