Changes in the ITA process
Earlier, a job offer could add an additional 600 points to the total score of an Express Entry candidate. It was a game-changing factor. ITA’s offered at that time were divided into the following categories:
– 40%- candidates with job offers
– 60%- candidates without job offers
After the changes, the weight age given to job offers was reduced to the range of 50 to 200 points. The ITA’s issued after November 2016 so a marked change in the above mentioned figures:
– 10%- candidates with job offers
– 90%- candidates without job offers
Though job offers no longer play a significant role in determining a candidate’s eligibility for applying for citizenship, the Provincial Nominee Programs carry 600 points which a candidate can benefit from.
Commenting on these changes, Attorney David Cohen states that:
“Dropping the value of a job offer has brought more objectivity to express Entry’s ranking system, and that’s good news for candidates who are relying on their core CRS scores. Candidates should also remember that Express Entry’s ranking system is dynamic, meaning their scores, and their ranking, can be improved.”
Another important change is the emphasis on Canadian Study points. The IRCC has made provisions for former international students who have studied in Canada till a level above high school. These candidates now form a major part of the Express Entry program. They are given preference because of their age, education, experience and skills. Most importantly, the time that they have spent in Canada as temporary citizens makes it easy for them to become permanent citizens.
Reasons for the change
The Express Entry program was initially meant to facilitate the entry of immigrants with job offers in order to meet the needs of the short term labor market. However, this program resulted in the arrival of cooks and food service supervisors instead of talented professionals from diverse fields. The focus was not on human capital.
The system was revamped to encourage people with high Canadian educational credentials who could succeed in several occupations in the long term and contribute to the growth of the country.
According to Faith St. John, spokesperson for Immigration Canada:
“Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for key economic immigration programs. Programs managed through the system attract highly skilled foreign workers who want to live in Canada permanently and whose in-demand skills are needed by employers across the country,””As a result, newcomers are able to more quickly put their skills to use and help strengthen and grow Canada’s economy.”
So if you haven’t got a job offer, there’s no need to panic. You can get the opportunity to become a permanent resident of Canada through the new Express Entry Program!
