Work in Canada
IEC Work Permit Holders to Lose Bonus CRS Points Sooner Than Expected
The Canadian government has announced a significant policy change that will impact International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit holders. Starting December 18, 2024, foreign nationals with an employer-specific IEC work permit will no longer receive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment under Express Entry.
This change primarily affects individuals under the Young Professionals category of the IEC, which was previously eligible for 50 or 200 CRS points based on the job offer’s level. While this shift was initially expected in the spring of 2025, IEC permit holders will experience an earlier cutoff, altering their immigration prospects.
Let’s explore the implications of this change and why it is being implemented.
Impact of CRS Points Removal on IEC Work Permit Holders
Express Entry candidates currently benefit from additional CRS points for job offers that meet certain eligibility requirements. The points are allocated as follows:
- 200 CRS points: For job offers at the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0 (managerial positions) in major group 00.
- 50 CRS points: For job offers in all other NOC categories.
What Changes for IEC Work Permit Holders?
IEC participants under the Young Professionals category who receive their permits after December 18, 2024, will no longer qualify for these bonus points. Those with permits issued before this date can retain their points if they meet all other job offer requirements.
| CRS Points Eligibility | Before December 18, 2024 | After December 18, 2024 |
| IEC Young Professionals | Eligible for 50/200 points | Not eligible |
| Other Work Permits | Eligible until Spring 2025 | Not eligible post-2025 |
The early removal of these points may significantly impact IEC permit holders’ CRS scores, potentially reducing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Why Is This Change Happening?
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has cited concerns regarding potential misuse and fraud involving Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) as a key reason for this policy adjustment. The decision aligns with the government’s plan to phase out CRS points for arranged employment by the spring of 2025.
According to IRCC officials, eliminating these bonus points is expected to create a more level playing field for candidates while safeguarding the integrity of Canada’s immigration programs.
What Should IEC Work Permit Holders Do Next?
For individuals affected by this change, taking proactive steps can help mitigate its impact:
- Regularly check updated CRS requirements to stay informed.
- Consider alternative immigration streams like Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Improve language test scores or gain additional work experience to boost your CRS points.
The early termination of CRS points for IEC work permit holders introduces new challenges for those seeking permanent residency in Canada. However, with strategic planning and by staying informed, candidates can still find pathways to success. As immigration policies continue to evolve, keeping track of updates and adjusting strategies accordingly will remain essential.
For more insights on Canadian immigration policies and updates, follow Canada Immigration News and Podcast – your trusted source for the latest immigration news.
