India’s skilled workers aiming to migrate to Canada might face challenges as the country implements significant changes to its Express Entry immigration framework. The adjustments to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) will alter how candidates are assessed for permanent residency.
According to a recent announcement from the Canadian government, beginning in spring 2025, applicants will no longer receive additional CRS points for having a job offer.
Government’s Statement
This temporary measure aims to reduce fraud by eliminating the incentive to illegally trade or sell labor market impact assessments to improve one’s chances of being selected for permanent residency.
“We are putting in place crucial measures to reduce fraud while continuing to attract the skilled talent that our economy needs,” remarked Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. He also emphasized, “Immigration has always been a pillar of Canada’s prosperity, and we are committed to welcoming the most skilled individuals to Canada so that every citizen has access to the quality jobs, homes, and resources they require to thrive. ”
Who Will Be Affected?
The removal of CRS points for job offers will affect those seeking permanent residency via the Express Entry system, including those on temporary work permits in Canada.
“After the change is implemented, it will apply to all candidates with job offers in the pool as well as those entering the pool newly,” the government indicated.
Who Will Be Exempt?
Nevertheless, this change will not impact individuals who have already received invitations to apply for permanent residency (PR) that include CRS points for a job offer. It also does not affect those who have submitted a PR application that is still under consideration.
About the Express Entry System
Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing applications for skilled worker immigration, including programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and parts of the Provincial Nominee Program.
Qualified individuals create online profiles and enter the pool, from which the highest-scoring candidates are invited by the Canadian government to submit applications for permanent residency. Once applications are received, they are reviewed, and decisions are rendered by the government.
Canada Ends Flagpoling
Furthermore, the Canadian government has announced a prohibition on the practice of flagpoling, which involves temporary residents leaving Canada and re-entering through the U. S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon to access immigration services at a port of entry. Effective immediately, work and study permits will no longer be issued to those engaging in flagpoling.
“This practice has utilized considerable resources at the border, diverting Canadian and American officers from essential enforcement tasks and has led to increased wait times for travelers crossing the border,” asserted the government.
