As an Express Entry candidate, receiving a job offer can increase your CRS points

As an Express Entry candidate, receiving a job offer can increase your CRS points

CRS points are crucial for Express Entry candidates aiming for economic immigration to Canada. These points rank candidates and significantly impact who gets an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

All candidates, whether they’re applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC), strive to boost their CRS score to increase their immigration chances.

Candidates can boost their CRS score significantly by securing “arranged employment” prior to their arrival in Canada. Such employment is highly beneficial, offering an additional 50 or 200 CRS points, depending on the role.

FSWP and CEC

To qualify for CRS points through “arranged employment,” candidates of the FSWP and CEC must possess a job offer that meets the following criteria:

• The job must be with a single employer and fall within a National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 code classified under one of the TEER categories: 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• It should be a continuous, paid, and full-time position, requiring at least 30 hours of work per week.
• The role cannot be seasonal.
• The job offer must remain valid for a minimum of one year post the issuance of the candidate’s permanent resident (PR) visa by IRCC.

**This pertains to international individuals employed in Canada within NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 positions.

Applicants, to both the FSTP and CEC, who have an existing LMIA-based work permit must:

• Work for an employer specified on their work permit.
• They possess a year of full-time employment experience (or its equivalent in part-time work) with that employer.
• They must possess a job offer valid for at least one year from the date the IRCC grants them their permanent residency visa.

FSTP

To qualify for CRS points through “arranged employment,” FSTP workers are required to secure one or more job offers that:

• A combined total of 30 hours of employment per week is required, achievable through job offers from up to two distinct employers.
• Refers to continuous, paid, full-time employment, requiring a minimum of 30 hours of work per week, for a period of no less than one year.
• Applies to work categorized within a qualifying skilled trade occupation (as defined under an eligible NOC).

**This is relevant for international individuals presently employed in Canada within skilled trade positions.
**This applies to foreign nationals who are currently working in Canada in a skilled trade job.
Applicants for the FSTP should note that foreign nationals holding a work permit based on an LMIA must:

• Work for an employer specified on their work permit.
• Ensure eligibility for employment in Canada, both at the time of applying for a Permanent Resident (PR) visa and upon its issuance.
• They must possess a legitimate job offer from the employer, valid for at least one year from the date the IRCC grants the candidate their Permanent Residency visa.

Note: The full-time job offer should have a minimum duration of one year and must be in a position that falls within the same three-digit NOC level as your current job.