New Canada Express Entry Rules: Extra Points for Job Offers Without an LMIA

New rules have taken effect in the Express Entry system for those seeking permanent residence in Canada. From now on, candidates who receive a job offer meeting specified conditions can earn extra points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the change took effect on Tuesday (November 3). Under the new rules, extra points can be earned either through a job offer in a qualifying high-paying occupation or through work experience gained in Canada. The points from the two routes will not be added together; whichever method yields more points will be considered.

Under the new rules, a job offer paying double the set median wage for the occupation or more will earn 100 points. Pay of one and a half times the median or more will earn 70 points, and 1.3 times or more will earn 50 points. If these pay conditions are not met, no extra points will be awarded on the basis of the job offer.

Separately, at least 12 months of qualifying work experience in Canada can earn 20, 40 or 70 extra points depending on the occupation's pay level. The standard CRS points for the length of work experience will also be added.

Under the new system, a job offer may come from a new or an existing employer. It may likewise be for a new post or a post that already exists. An LMIA is not mandatory in these cases, and even having an LMIA will bring no extra points or added priority in the profile.

The job offer must, however, be genuine and acceptable. IRCC will verify the legitimacy of the employer's business, the need for the post, the ability to pay the salary and the candidate's qualification for the work. Action may be taken in cases of fake job offers or concealed information.

With the new rules in effect, the CRS scores of existing Express Entry profiles will be recalculated automatically. The process may take up to two weeks. IRCC said invitation rounds will be temporarily suspended during this period.

Although the new rules create an opportunity for extra points, a job offer alone does not guarantee permanent residence in Canada. The candidate's age, education, language skills, work experience and the CRS cut-off score of the relevant draw will also play an important role.