Major Changes for IEC Work Permit Holders: Shift in CRS Points for Valid Job Offers Under Express Entry

Foreign nationals holding an International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit under the Young Professionals category will face a significant adjustment in their eligibility for Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, which could affect their chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.

Starting December 18, 2024, those with an IEC work permit issued after this date will no longer be eligible for CRS points related to a valid job offer. This change comes earlier than anticipated, as the broader policy shift to remove CRS points for job offers under Express Entry is still set to take effect in the spring of 2025.

Impact of the New Rule on IEC Work Permit Holders

IEC work permit holders under the Young Professionals category were previously able to claim additional CRS points for having a confirmed job offer in Canada. Those eligible could earn 50 or 200 points, depending on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) level of the job.

• 200 CRS points could be awarded for a job offer in a managerial position (NOC TEER 0) within major group 00.
• 50 CRS points were available for other NOC classifications.

However, with the recent change, candidates whose IEC permits were issued after December 18, 2024, will lose this valuable advantage. This sudden loss of points could dramatically alter their prospects in the competitive Express Entry system, where every point counts towards receiving an ITA.

Earlier Cut-off Than Expected

The timing of this change is particularly striking, as it comes months before the planned removal of all CRS points for valid job offers scheduled for the spring of 2025. The decision to remove the points for IEC Young Professionals work permits ahead of schedule is expected to have a ripple effect on those currently in the Express Entry pool.

The adjustment means that while some candidates may continue to benefit from job offer-related CRS points until the broader policy change in spring 2025, those affected by this rule will see their CRS scores drop sooner. As a result, their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency could significantly decrease, especially if they were relying on this additional boost to their score.

Why the Change Was Implemented

The introduction of this policy change stems from a desire by Canadian immigration authorities to reduce the potential for fraud related to Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). The federal government noted that the new policy is part of their broader effort to strengthen the integrity of the immigration system.

In December 2024, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced its plan to phase out the allocation of CRS points for valid job offers, which would have applied to all Express Entry candidates. While the formal deadline for this policy change is still set for the spring of 2025, the earlier cut-off for IEC work permit holders was confirmed as part of an updated directive to address the growing concerns over LMIA-related fraud.

Implications for Express Entry Candidates

For candidates who currently hold a Young Professionals work permit, the clock is ticking. IEC work permit holders who received their work permits before December 18, 2024, will still be eligible for the CRS points associated with valid job offers, provided they meet the other criteria for a job offer to be considered valid. However, those whose work permits were issued after this cut-off date will see their CRS points for arranged employment disappear sooner than expected.

The impending loss of these CRS points means that certain candidates will need to explore other ways to boost their scores to remain competitive in the Express Entry pool. As the timeline for the full removal of CRS points for job offers approaches, Express Entry candidates across all streams will need to adapt to the changing landscape.

What Happens Next?

As the Canadian immigration department works to update its systems and website, IEC work permit holders should be aware that their CRS score could be impacted if their work permit was issued after the December cut-off. Those relying on this bonus set of points to secure an ITA should explore other avenues for improving their Express Entry profile, whether through a provincial nomination, language test improvements, or additional educational credentials.

Furthermore, the removal of CRS points for valid job offers will affect all candidates in the Express Entry pool in 2025, not just those on IEC work permits. Immigration authorities have confirmed that individuals who have already submitted their permanent residence applications or who have received an ITA will not be affected by these changes, as the policy is forward-looking and won’t impact past applications.

A Transition to a New Era for Express Entry

This adjustment marks a pivotal moment in Canada’s immigration system, one that reflects an ongoing shift towards creating a more sustainable and fraud-resistant pathway for prospective immigrants. As IEC work permit holders prepare for the upcoming changes, they must remain vigilant about their CRS scores and consider strategic steps to maintain their competitiveness in the Express Entry process.

For candidates impacted by these changes, it is essential to stay informed, monitor updates from IRCC, and seek professional advice to navigate the evolving landscape of Canadian immigration policies.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!