Job Offer Points - Express Entry - Canada
We are asked frequently about the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria for Express Entry and how to obtain points for arranged employment.
Applicants can earn an additional 50 or 200 points if they meet all the criteria for arranged employment. These points can undoubtedly go a long way in assisting an applicant in receiving an Invitation to Apply if they are currently falling short of the current CSR cut-off.
So, what exactly does arranged employment mean? The Government of Canada's website defines arranged employment as "you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer." While some of the requirements are to obtain a "standard" job offer, this alone will not credit you with the points associated from arranged employment under the program.
We've broken it down into two parts for you: the standard part, and the unusual part.
The job offer must (the standard part):
be in writing
not be from an embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada
set out details of the job they're offering you (pay, duties, hours)
made by one employer
continuous, paid and full-time (at least 30 hours a week) for at least one year after you receive your permanent resident visa,
in a job that is NOC Skill Type 0 or Skill Levels A or B
In addition to the above, you must also meet one of the following requirements (the unusual part):
1.
Have a new positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
OR
2.
are currently working in Canada, with an LMIA based work permit for the employer listed on the work permit;
in a skilled position (NOC 0, A or B);
be authorized to work in Canada on the day you apply for permanent residence, and when the visa is issued.
OR
3.
working in Canada with an LMIA exempt work permit;
have at least one year, full-time or equal amount of part-time work, for the Canadian employer listed on your work permit.
You must meet both the standard part AND unusual part to receive job offer points in the Express Entry system.
If you are looking to receive an additional 200 points, your occupation must fall under a NOC 00. Those who fall under a NOC 0, A or B, will only earn 50 extra points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Labor Market Impact Assessment?
An LMIA requires a Canadian employer to advertise the job for a minimum of four weeks to prove they were unable to find a Canadian or Permanent resident to fill the role. Alternatively, if you wish to purchase an already running business or start a new business in Canada, you can also obtain an LMIA through the Owner/Operator category. The Owner/Operate category does not have advertising requirements, but there are further specific requirements you must meet to be successful.
You can read more about Labor Market Impact Assessments based work permits on our website, HERE.
How do I know if my job falls under a NOC 00, A or B?
National Occupation Codes are four digits codes used to organize and verify occupational titles according to skill levels and skill types. There are currently 30,000 occupational titles. To determine if your occupation is a skill level 0, A or B, you will first need to find the relevant four-digit code. Depending on what the code starts with, will indicate what skill type your job is.
How do I find a job in Canada?
Immigration to a new country alone is a challenge, yet finding a new job is also difficult. We have listed a few of the top websites used by Canadians for finding employment in the country: Workopolis, Indeed, Glassdoor, Linkedin, Monster and Eluta.
Alternatively, if your foreign employer has a branch or subsidiary in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for an intra-company transferee work permit. You must have worked for your foreign employer for at least one year in a specialized or management position, and your company needs you in Canada in a similar position.
What if I have an Open Work Permit?
Unfortunately, open work permits will exempt you from obtaining any points under arranged employment, even if you are working for an employer in Canada. In order to receive points, your work permit must be a "closed" work permit through a Labor Market Impact Assessment or one of the exemption categories.