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CIC News / 2016 / November / Express Entry Exclusive: Human Capital, Skills and Experience to Become More Prominent Under New System

Express Entry Exclusive: Human Capital, Skills and Experience to Become More Prominent Under New System

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canada-flag-wavingImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has provided important new information about the future of the Express Entry selection system. By drawing on the past, IRCC has learned more about its own Express Entry system and made predictions for the future following recent improvements that have been made.

For example, over the first year of Express Entry being in operation, 16 percent of all invited candidates were either cooks or food service supervisors, principally because a job offer was previously weighted heavily under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). However, the recent changes to job offers under the CRS, outlined below, aim to allow a more equitable spread of occupations among candidates invited to apply for permanent residence.

The new insights were revealed during the 24th Annual Immigration Law Summit, which takes place this week in Toronto, Ontario. Among the details, it was revealed that around one quarter of all candidates received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in 2016. And there is more good news for candidates remaining in the pool and individuals thinking of creating a profile — IRCC plans on issuing more ITAs than ever throughout 2017. In doing so, it has stated its renewed goal to put greater weight on human capital, skills and experience.

Qualifying job offers

A job offer was not, and is not, required in order for a candidate to enter the Express Entry pool or receive an ITA.

Until November 19, 2016, candidates with a qualifying job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) were awarded 600 CRS points. Since the improvements to the Express Entry system came into force on November 19, however, a number of changes to the qualifying job offer factor have been implemented. Notably, a qualifying job offer is now worth 200 points if the offer is in an occupation contained in a Major Group 00 of the National Occupational Classification, or 50 points for a job offer in any other skilled position.

In addition, some non-LMIA-based job offers are now also being awarded points for the first time. These include workers in Canada on a NAFTA work permit or as an Intra-Company transferee. In these non-LMIA cases, the worker must have been working in Canada for at least one year and the job offer must be made by the same employer named on the work permit.

Furthermore, the job offer duration requirement has also changed from ‘indeterminate’ to at least one year in duration.

In a presentation at the Immigration Law Summit, an IRCC representative provided a ‘snapshot’ from the pool as of October 3, 2016. This snapshot revealed that about two-thirds (66 percent) of candidates with qualifying job offers claimed core CRS scores of 300 or less (core CRS indicates a candidate’s score without the additional points awarded for a provincial nomination or a qualifying job offer). Consequently, a majority of job offer candidates had core CRS scores that placed them among the bottom seven percent of candidates in the distribution. And yet, by virtue of having received a qualifying job offer, these candidates were well positioned to obtain an ITA.

As a result, and according to its latest report, IRCC seeks to ‘balance the Comprehensive Ranking System to put greater weight on human capital, skills and experience.’ As such, the CRS has changed to ‘better reflect the empirical value of arranged employment,’ with the expected result that:

  • a greater share of invitations will flow to candidates with high levels of human capital, which will improve immigrant economic outcomes and better enable employers to fill high-skilled job openings;
  • it will likely change the occupational distribution of invited candidates, with fewer candidates invited with offers of arranged employment in low wage occupations; and
  • while a job offer will no longer guarantee an ITA, it does significantly increase the chances of being invited to apply.

CRS threshold may go up before coming down

Although the number of CRS points awarded for a job offer has decreased substantially (in most cases, from 600 points down to 50 points), it should be noted that the number of candidates who may be in a position to claim these points has increased. This is because the requirements surrounding the job offer have been relaxed to include many candidates holding an employer-specific work permit in Canada.

As a result, it may be expected that the CRS cut-off point in the first draw — or first few draws — after the changes have come into force may actually go up temporarily to allow for the fact that more candidates with job offers may claim additional points. Once this initial group of candidates has exited the pool, however, IRCC expects the CRS cut-off point to decrease. Stakeholders should note IRCC’s desired and expected outcome of the recent changes, outlined above, which state that candidates without a job offer are likely to have a better chance of receiving an ITA. From January to September, 2016, 35 percent of ITAs were issued to candidates without a job offer or provincial nomination; IRCC expects this figure to increase over time.

October 3 snapshot of the pool

As of October 3, there had been 20 rounds of invitations (draws) so far in 2016. The snapshot of the pool on that date revealed that:

  • There were 60,689 candidates active in the pool.
  • A total of 20,588 ITAs had been issued to 19,088 individual candidates over the first 20 draws of 2016. (Note: some candidates may obtain more than one ITA. For example, if they receive an ITA but don’t feel ready to apply, they may re-enter the pool and be issued another ITA at a later date.)
  • From January to September, 2016, a total of 25,406 Express Entry candidates or their accompanying family members landed in Canada as permanent residents.

From this glimpse into the pool, it is apparent that around one in every four candidates who was actively engaged in the Express Entry system over the first nine months of 2016 received an ITA. Indeed, there have been four further draws since October 3, and the number of ITAs issued has nearly doubled from 1,288 (September 21 draw) to 2,427 on November 16.

A chart of the ITAs issued in fall 2016

Smoother pathways to permanent residence for students and graduates

One of the most significant changes made to the CRS on November 19 was with respect to international students and graduates in Canada. IRCC’s stated objectives are to increase the number of former international students receiving an ITA and provide additional incentive for foreign nationals to study in Canada. Previously, there were no additional points available to these students, and former international students made up less than 30 percent of all invited candidates. However, points may now be awarded to the principle applicant for Canadian education as follows:

  • 15 points, to candidates who have an eligible credential from a one-year or two-year post-secondary program;
  • 30 points, to candidates who have an eligible credential from:
    • a post-secondary program of three years or more;
    • a university-level program at the master’s level or at the level of an entry-to-practice professional degree for an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification matrix at Skill Level A for which licensing by a provincial regulatory body is required; or
    • a university-level program at the doctoral level.

Interestingly, IRCC projects that ‘a reduction of points to candidates with arranged employment means the CRS cut-off will decline, leaving more invitation space for students.’

Leading up the recent changes, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, John McCallum, said that “International students have been shortchanged by the Express Entry system. They are the cream of the crop, in terms of potential future Canadians.” As a result of the changes, IRCC expects that former international students will make up closer to 40 percent of all invited candidates in future draws from the pool.

Provincial Nominee Programs

When IRCC released its year-end report on Express Entry, covering the entirety of 2015, it was revealed that around 13 percent of candidates issued an ITA last year had obtained a provincial nomination certificate through one of the many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that contain a category aligned with Express Entry.

A pie chart showing the distribution of ITAs, January-September 2016Over the first nine months of 2016, however, the percentage of candidates who were invited to apply having obtained a provincial nomination certificate increased to 23 percent of the total, showing the increasing importance of these programs.

Note: candidates must be eligible for one of the three federal economic immigration programs (FSW, FST, CEC) in order to enter the pool.

It should also be noted that candidates who obtain an enhanced nomination certificate through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) category will continue to be awarded 600 points, even after the recent changes to the CRS. This makes PNPs by far the single most valuable factor under the new system.

Additionally, the government of Canada plans to welcome around 51,000 new immigrants through the PNPs next year, a seven percent increase on the target for 2016. With Express Entry PNP categories opening and changing over time, it is arguably more important than ever before for candidates to stay up to date on these immigration programs.

Human capital, skills, and experience

“The recent snapshot from the pool is a real eye-opener for many stakeholders, particularly when it comes to the fact that candidates may have a better chance of receiving an ITA than they might have thought previously. The fact that IRCC has stated its intention to invite more candidates based on human capital, skills, and experience is a boon for candidates in the pool,” says Attorney David Cohen.

“The government has added, however, that it is looking to make further changes in 2017. These changes may include additional points for candidates with siblings in Canada or for French-speaking candidates, and it is not possible to tell if or when these changes may occur or how the distribution of points under the system may be affected.

“What we do know at this time is that more people are being invited to apply, that IRCC expects the CRS cut-off to decline over time, and that candidates who are eligible to enter the pool currently may never have a better opportunity to immigrate to Canada.”

A New CRS Calculator is Available

Candidates in the Express Entry pool, as well as individuals thinking of creating an Express Entry profile, can use the new and improved CRS Calculator to find out what their score would be under the new points system.

To find out if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada permanently, fill out a free online assessment form.

© 2016 CICNews All Rights Reserved

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Comments

  1. I have 455 points how many chance to get ita

  2. I want this

  3. Apply right now either through OINP PNP or a basic Express Entry profile. I think you can get ITA around next year or in a few months. But keep trying.. Good luck 🙂

  4. Mr David my wife is Canadian she spornsher me on 2013.2014 first refusal. Second time 2016.they refused me what can you do for me.

  5. Hi I’m an certified Electrician with over twenty four years experience in construction electrician from Jamaica .I’m 44 years old how do I applied for the express entry

  6. Thank you Atty. Cohen for this latest update. While these changes are commendable, increasing the chances of many applicants to qualify under the program, I am wondering whatever happened to the other promises of the Liberals to amend certain requirements for citizenship.
    There has been no new information about this for a long time now since they took over the helm of the government.
    Just asking.
    Thank you.

  7. Sir I need some information about express entire . I need requirements .for express entire. Send me all details.

  8. Hi Sir,
    How are you, I’m Joel from Philippines and I just came from Edmonton Canada last year with my family as work permit status, for 5 years. I work in a construction , and I want to go back . but I’m here in Qatar as a carpenter. Can you help me. Hope to hear from you
    Thanks
    Joel G.

  9. As you mention that 51000 people will get pnp and if they all are apply in express entry then the percentage of the people who have pnp would be 100%in express entry which doesn’t make sense , the person who have pnp and he/she can apply for federal so that’s shortcut for them , so express entry is actually saying to those people who already processed the papers take the shortcut of express entry of 6 months processing instead of waiting for 17 months processing of fedral , which means percentage of ITA is actually going to be decreased for the people who don’t have pnp

  10. If the percentage of pnp candidates will be 35% in 2017 in ITA which 35% ITA will be decreased for other candidates who are eligible for ITA which is injustice, i think this should 2 different programs , express entry different and pnp / federal different.please consider thanks

  11. How many bands are needed each in IELTS ?

  12. Thank you for the valuable information.

    I have 2 questions in my mind.

    1) IRCC has made recent changes in Express entry so does this mean that they are done with the Pre-Express entry inventory of applications and now giving more priority to Express Entry ?

    2) Since PNP might be the only options for FSW Outlanders, majority will look after Provinces to get PNP certificate but the problem with PNP programs are they are taking huge time to Process application.
    E.g OINP is not still able to process applications received in November, December -2015 and January to March -2016 so people might refrain to apply for these programs which put hold for long time and slow process.

  13. I need more information about how to i got PR in canada

  14. I have already ITA & submitted the documents on 20th June 2016. Received AOR as well. Schedule 4 documents & Medical is also done but I don’t know why there is no further updates. It’s been about 6 months & I am clueless what to do & unable to understand the reason for such a huge delay.

  15. Dear sir
    I’m working in aluminum finishing Anodizing and powder coating line and wood effects on aluminum since 1989 I have college education now I am looking for job incanda

  16. Duh, this should have been the case from the start. The previous system biased it to those who worked in the country and senior, experienced applicants.

    Simply, younger applicants have little chance to compete unless they have a family member in the country.

  17. Hello,
    I received ITA from MPNP this year and all Documents were submitted by me in the month of April 2016.

    Would like to know how long does it take for processing the file ?

  18. I m homeopathic doctor.
    I am practicing since 2012 in my own private clinic.
    I got 5.5 band overall
    I m illegible for immigration or not?

  19. Hi Sir,
    Am i eligible for Canada immigration.I am a diploma electrical engineer from Bangladesh.How i can apply through you.

  20. I have 475 points and I am B.E. Information Technology how much time I will require to get ITA

  21. Hi,
    My CRS is 379. What are my chances of getting an ITA? What does human capital which is highlighted as an important factor mean?

  22. Hi sir I got csq on may 2016,l applied for p.r on july 2016.Until now i hav’nt got any updatuons.How long it will take any reply from canada migration let me know please

  23. I have 454 points how bright are my chances to get or I have already applied through pnp and my age is 45yrs

  24. Am interested.

  25. I came to Canada on Intra company work permit and now I got 6 months left on my work permit. Will I be eligible to get that 50 points?

  26. My name is Jamal from Karachi Pakistan I want human right protection can you help me and guide how its applied bcoz me and my wife need I can’t explain full here …..thanks

  27. I love Canada and I want to Cconne which followed my studies in high school and I like Canada where what I want and thank you very much

  28. Thank you canada

  29. Sir I wants canadian permanent residency I am a skilled worker and working in canada as a drywall installer from September 2016 .please guide me.

  30. Bonjour Monsieur ,
    je suis vraiment découragé pour mon immigration au canada, j’ai rempli la fiche de demande d’immigration avec toutes les informations utiles , mai hélas je suis pas encore classé parmi les candidats éligibles.
    je voudrai savoir? puis-je continuer à espérer, ou bien je suis pas du genre à déposer ma candidature ?
    si non rester sans suite de votre part décourage ma candidature.
    espérant votre feedback dans un future proche , accepter mes meilleurs salutations

    cordialement

    Assoumane yacouba depuis Niger

  31. I applied with the old process of Canadian experience and I’m still yet to get a reply … it’s been over 2 years and I have called and emailed and all I get is to wait … now I have also paid for the bridging permit of $250 dollars twice and it’s getting to a 3rd time … what do I do ?

  32. I am a permanent resident of Canada I have being dating my husband for 5 yrs and we got married may last yr. I would like to sponsor him to Canada now. But I’m working as a supply RECE but I wrk everyday. I just start working 2 yrs now. I was a full-time student before I started working. I’m wondering if I send in his sponsorship if he will get through eventually.

  33. Bonjour Mr David
    Merci de m’expliquer par étapes que je dois les faire pour préparer mon dossier d’immigration à Canada.
    Mes meilleurs salutations

  34. Dear sir/madam
    I don’t know that my dream are true or false i want to leave at Canada and working but i don’t get any chance to move on Canada can you give me the easy way how to move on Canada.thanks

  35. Hello Mr David
    I have been given ITA and I have submitted my application. It’s almost 5months ago. How long does it take to reply to my application. Thanks

  36. There are a wide number of candidates with high level of education , experience and English language proffeciency which can prove as an asset for the government of Canada and contribute a lot in its economy but due to some very strict rules they are demotivated to apply

    We request more of your attention on skill, education and experience rather than having a job offer as receiving a job offer while you are not living in Canada is a difficult thing .

    Also some discount in regards to the language test results .

  37. My core CRS point is 269 , can i get an ITA ?

  38. I have been an applicant for Canadian express entry since 2014 through a company;SOUTH ATLANTIC IN NIGERIA.but it seems not really going the way it be. I now want to do it by myself,Pls I really need your assistant on how to go about it.

  39. Great article …. thanks for share this valuable information. I just have a question, are still assessment the year of Canadian experience obtained under a PGWP and under international experience program?

  40. Yes,you can.

  41. Hi sir I need visa so please help me I’m Nadeem John I live in Pakistan so please help me Canada

  42. Nov 26,2016

    I have already applied through PNP. My points are 453. How bright are my chances to get ITA? I have applied in the month of June. I am a teacher. I am 44 yrs old. How can I improve my case as per the new additions came into effect from Nov 19, 2016?

    Please help.

  43. is the score mark for ieits till 6.0 in the new crs ranking

  44. I am Michael Ernest O. A Nigerian and I look forward to studying in Canada. Dav, I will be very happy to be guided on how to secure permanent resident visa from Canadian immigration authority. Thanks.

  45. sir i’m a mechanical engineer and i want to migrate canada . so kindly help me procedure and how i want to apply for the visas.

    regardings

  46. l want to know the dates for file submission

  47. what can you do just to help me and my family to Canada, i dont have anybody over there ,i dont have much money as demaning , but i am very articulate and hardworking ,i am a cctv control room operator and very good ,i dont think you have that on your eligible list ,i have two beautiful girl 2 years and 8 month old and my beautiful wife , she just got out of the university ,not working yet . i love Canada so much , i dram of coming , i pray to see that part of the world . i do received your wonderful latter update but i am looking for opportunity for job , i am helpless, i have been trying to make good friend in Canada, i will make a happy and wonderful community ,i love canada so much .

  48. How to calculate my point going to canda from india??
    I m complete my bachelor of engineering in electronic and communication 2008 to 2016.After ccompleted my degree than join to industry to still work with comapny.

  49. Dear sir.i am a civil engr.work in Dubai for 15years in construction in high rise building with me my wife &my daughter study business administration in Amman university.i like Canada .so how can you help me sir.

  50. I had gone through the medical test 2 months back still my visa print call not received what may be the reason.

    Initially when I had made a query, CIC responded that they have not received the medical report, but the hospital confirmed that medical was submitted one month prior.

    Visa type: Work permit for three years

    Sponsored by company.

  51. Is there any idea about how much time it take to come visa after sinp nomination.

  52. I have 11+ Yrs of diversified experience in HR domain & have 360 points.
    Please help me the best way to proceed further.

  53. It takes between 3 to 9 months after submission.

  54. Sir, Am Taiwo abiola from Nigeria base on reply from Samuel I was too am qualified to get a job in Canada please what is the next step to take . thanks

  55. Thanks

  56. hi there, just inquery how many points? to be invited to apply . Im so excited if im eligible to apply im working here in Canada a year.

  57. I want to come Canada becoz my child loved canada

  58. very good information

  59. My last hope for Canada PR is gone now. Will have to look for migrating to US, which prefers experience over age.
    I was hopeful to get 600 points from a job offer, as I have only 313 points otherwise! I don’t understand why Canada govt is NOT INTERESTED in highly experienced (hence obviously older by age) workers. The Canadian employers are already facing skillset challenges due to large junior skilled pool coming to the country!

  60. Chaque ambitieux afin de travailler et de développer

  61. Every person has a hope to go and study in canada , it gives us more courage and cheerful in living their . Iam waiting for your answer in the coming days .

  62. I and my family are like to live in Canada, we want permanent residency, we live in the north of Iraq in Kurdistan region in Erbil city,we are kurdish people,who can help and facilitate for us to reach our dreams?

  63. OINP is paused now due to high volume of application. How we can apply asim Baha’i?

  64. understood very well and looking forward to get the ball started.

  65. I want migrate Canada.

  66. Hello folks
    I have already been working in Toronto for 1 year with an inter-company transfer work permit, in a permanent job position. I have an MBA, already evaluated by WES and i have CLB 9+. Despite all these factors, I only have 441 CRS points, because i am 46 years old.
    Do you consider if I apply to Express Entry now, will have any chance to receive an ITA?
    Thank you in advance for the advice.

  67. Hi, my CRS point is 374 only ( it was 324 then I have got positive LMIA which added me 50 )
    is there any chance to be selected in future ? is there any other way to received ITA because I have LMIA approval only ? !