Express Entry may prioritize high-wage workers soon, i.e., higher-earning workers may soon get priority for permanent residence in Canada. This change is part of a planned update to the Express Entry system, which is used by the federal government to select skilled immigrants.
Even though the full set of changes to Express Entry is expected to take 12 to 18 months, one key update may happen earlier. A senior official from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shared that the new High-Wage Occupation factor could be introduced sooner than planned.
This information comes from an IRCC webinar held on April 21 for immigration lawyers. It builds on earlier announcements made on April 10 about upcoming changes to the system.
Key Updates Shared In The April 21 Webinar
The April 21 session provided more details about how the changes may roll out and what candidates can expect.
The following updates have been confirmed:
- The full process for all changes is expected to take between 12 and 18 months.
- Changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) will be made through Ministerial Instructions.
- Program-level changes will require formal regulation updates.
- Age-related CRS points will remain unchanged.
Some additional changes are planned:
- Trade-related CRS points may be divided into levels. Candidates with full certification may receive more points than those still in training.
- Points for Certificate of Qualification may be limited to Red Seal-designated trades.
There are also some ideas still under review:
- The High-Wage Occupation factor may be introduced before the full system update.
- Points for studying in Canada may continue, but in a reduced form, possibly only for higher education.
Important Clarifications About Earlier Announcements
IRCC also clarified how these changes will affect current applicants and those already in the system.
The following points have been confirmed:
- Candidates who already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before the changes will be assessed under the rules that were in place at that time.
- Candidates who are already in the Express Entry pool will have their CRS scores recalculated once the new rules are applied.
- Applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) with only foreign work experience will still be eligible.
These clarifications help reduce confusion for candidates who are currently preparing or waiting in the system.
High-Wage Occupation Factor May Be Introduced Early
One of the most important proposed changes is the High-Wage Occupation factor. This update may be introduced before the rest of the reforms.
This factor will give extra CRS points to candidates who have work experience or a valid job offer in jobs that pay above the national median wage.
The goal is to attract skilled workers who are likely to contribute more strongly to Canada’s economy.
The definition of a valid job offer is still being finalized. However, it is expected to follow current rules. This means the job must be full-time and may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or fall under an exemption.
Points under this new factor may be given in different levels. Candidates working in jobs that pay much higher than the median wage may receive more points.
IRCC also clarified that wage levels will be based on Job Bank data linked to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, not on an individual’s salary.
Full System Changes May Take Up To 18 Months
IRCC has estimated that the full update process could take between 12 and 18 months. This is the first official timeline shared by the department.
The delay is mainly due to the need for formal regulatory changes, which require more time and review.
However, not all changes will need to wait for this full process. Some updates, especially those related to CRS scoring, may be introduced earlier.
Faster Changes Possible Through Ministerial Instructions
IRCC explained that changes to the ranking system can be made using Ministerial Instructions. These can be issued faster than full regulatory updates.
This means that some updates, such as the High-Wage Occupation factor, could come into effect before the full program changes are completed.
This approach allows the government to make quicker adjustments to meet labour market needs.
Future Of Study Points Still Uncertain
Currently, candidates can earn 15 to 30 CRS points for studying in Canada.
However, IRCC has said this factor may change. It may be removed completely or reduced.
One option being considered is to keep these points only for higher levels of education, such as advanced degrees.
This is because studies in Canada are now seen as a less strong predictor of long-term economic success compared to factors like work experience and language ability.
Age Points Will Stay The Same
IRCC has confirmed that age-related CRS points will not change.
At present, younger candidates receive more points, and points decrease with age.
Even though age was earlier considered a weaker factor, IRCC still views it as important for predicting long-term economic outcomes.
This means older candidates will continue to face lower scores due to age. However, new factors like high wages may help balance this.
Changes Expected For Skilled Trades
Candidates in skilled trades may see two major updates.
First, trade-related points may be structured in levels. Candidates with full certification or licences may receive more points than those still completing training.
Second, points for Certificate of Qualification may be limited to Red Seal trades.
Red Seal trades follow a national standard across Canada. This makes it easier for immigration officers to assess qualifications.
This would be a shift from earlier policies, where broader recognition was given to trade qualifications.
What These Changes Mean For Candidates?
IRCC also explained how these changes will affect different types of applicants.
If a candidate has already received an ITA, the new rules will not apply. Their application will be processed under the old system.
If a candidate is still in the pool, their CRS score may change once the new rules are introduced.
For older candidates, the High-Wage Occupation factor may offer some relief. Higher earnings could help offset the lower points received due to age.
Impact On Candidates With Only Foreign Work Experience
There has been concern that future changes may favour candidates with Canadian work experience.
However, IRCC has clarified that candidates with only foreign work experience will still be eligible.
The planned single program under Express Entry will accept both Canadian and foreign work experience as valid.
This ensures that skilled workers from outside Canada will continue to have fair opportunities.
What To Expect Next?
IRCC has said that more updates will be shared soon.
A public survey and a detailed discussion paper are expected to be released. These will provide more clarity on how the changes will be implemented.
At this time, no exact dates have been confirmed.
However, with a 12 to 18 month timeline for full changes, and some updates possibly arriving earlier, candidates may start seeing changes within the next year.
Overall, these updates aim to make the Express Entry system more focused on economic outcomes. By giving more importance to higher wages and job quality, Canada hopes to attract skilled workers who can contribute strongly to its economy.
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