Job Offers in Express Entry: Obtain 50 or 200 CRS points

Are you looking to immigrate to Canada and want to boost your chances of success? Securing arranged employment can help you tremendously within the Express Entry (EE) program by adding an additional 50-200 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to your profile which ranks you higher in the system. Having a confirmed job offer from a Canadian employer not only strengthens your EE application, but it also gives you a head start on your new life in Canada.

What Is Arranged Employment? 

Arranged employment refers to having a confirmed job offer from a Canadian employer. This arrangement not only streamlines the immigration process, but also helps to ensure that newcomers have a stable foundation as they integrate into Canadian society. 

It is important to note that in order to qualify for the additional 50-200 CRS points, your work permit needs to be an LMIA-approved or an LMIA-exempt closed work permit.

You cannot claim points simply for having a job offer in a skilled position, those who have job offers on open work permits (OWP) are not able to obtain the bonus 50-200 CRS points as it has to be a closed work permit. However, if you have an open work permit but your employer obtains an LMIA for a closed work permit, you may be able to claim the 50-200 CRS points.

What is a CRS Score?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based system used by the government of Canada to assess, score, and rank your profile within the Express Entry pool. 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts Express Entry draws at regular intervals, selecting candidates with the highest CRS scores to invite them to apply for permanent residency. 

All individuals in the Express Entry pool who meet or exceed the CRS cutoff score are issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs). In cases where candidates have the same CRS score, the date of their application serves as the tiebreaker 

Arranged Employment Outside of Quebec

To gain 50-200 CRS points through arranged employment in the Canadian Express Entry system, you need a valid job offer that meet the following criteria: 

Job Offer: Obtain a full-time, continuous job offer from a Canadian employer (not seasonal). 

NOC Classification: The job must fall under a National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3. 

Employer Requirements: Employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in addition to your job offer. If your occupation is LMIA-exempt or if you are working for the same employer under a different closed work permit, your employer does not need to obtain a new LMIA

Duration of Employment: The job offer should be valid for at least one year after your permanent resident visa is issued. 

Conditions: Ensure you are working for only one employer and that the job offer is in writing, a paid position, non-seasonal, continuous, and at least 30 hours of work per week. 

You must ensure that the job offer includes the job position, duties, salary, deductions, hours of work, and conditions of employment. By meeting these conditions, you can secure the additional 50-200 CRS points for your Express Entry profile. 

Arranged Employment in Quebec:

Quebec has its own power to select candidates for Permanent Residency (PR). The two main programs for obtaining PR in Quebec are the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) and Programme de l’expérience Québécoise (PEQ).  

Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program:

The Regular Skilled Worker (RSWP) program allows foreign workers with a strong educational background and/or work experience to immigrate to Quebec and become permanent residents.

To gain 50 points through RSWP, you need to meet the following Quebec Immigration selection grid requirements: 

Training: Maximum 26 points 

Work experience: Maximum 8 points 

Age: Maximum 16 points 

Language Proficiency: Maximum 22 points 

Quebec Connection: Maximum 8 points 

Characteristics of Spouse: Maximum 17 points 

Validated Job Offer: Maximum 10 points 

Accompanying Children: Maximum 8 points 

Financial Self-sufficiency: Maximum 1 point 

To determine whether you qualify for Quebec’s RSWP, please check the government of Quebec’s website regularly as Quebec has its own set of requirements that change often.  

On November 29th, 2024, the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) will be renamed to Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ). The program requirements will ultimately remain the same but are subject to change. 

Programme de l’expérience Québécoise 

Programme de l’expérience Québécoise (PEQ) is for foreign nationals who have studied or worked in Quebec and emphasizes language proficiency. PEQ allows you to obtain a Québec selection certificate/Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ). Once the applicant receives a CSQ, they can then submit a separate application for permanent residency to the Canadian federal immigration authorities. 

To qualify for PEQ, you must meet all the selection conditions when you submit your application. Detailed selection conditions for both temporary foreign workers and Québec graduates applying for PEQ can be found on the government of Québec’s website at: Selection conditions for the Québec Experience Program | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca) 

Both RSWP and PEQ programs lead to a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), which is a key step in obtaining permanent residency in Canada. Make sure to stay updated on any changes in Quebec’s immigration policies, as requirements can evolve. 

Securing arranged employment is a strategic way to enhance your chances of obtaining 50 CRS points in Canada’s Express Entry system, significantly improving your pathway to permanent residency. Whether you’re targeting job offers outside of Quebec or exploring the unique programs available in Quebec, meeting the specified criteria is essential for success.

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