How IEC Work Permit Holders Can Earn Extra CRS Points For Express Entry

Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program lets young professionals from certain countries work in Canada for a short time. It has three types of work permits: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. Each has its benefits, but the Young Professionals category is best for career growth. It gives a work permit tied to one employer, so participants can work in their field and gain experience to help with future immigration.

IEC work permit holders can get a higher CRS score with a valid job offer. They can earn extra points if they received their work permit before December 18, 2024, and get a job in an eligible NOC TEER category. Senior management jobs (NOC TEER 0 or 00) add 200 points, while other qualifying jobs add 50 points. This increases their chances of getting an ITA and helps them get permanent residency faster. Let’s discuss this further in the article. 

Understanding the IEC Work Permit and Its Benefits

The International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit lets young people from certain countries work in Canada for a short time. It has three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. Each one has different benefits, depending on the applicant’s career goals and job needs.

1. Working Holiday – This category provides an open work permit, allowing participants to work for any employer in Canada. It offers flexibility, making it ideal for those seeking short-term job opportunities while exploring the country.
2. Young Professionals – This stream issues an employer-specific work permit, meaning the participant must have a job offer from a Canadian employer before applying. The job must contribute to the applicant’s professional development and align with their field of expertise.
3. International Co-op (Internship) – Designed for students needing work experience as part of their academic program, this stream also requires an employer-specific work permit. Participants must secure a job offer related to their field of study before applying.

Eligibility Criteria for IEC Participants

To qualify for an IEC work permit, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be a citizen of a country that has a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada.
• Be within the eligible age range, typically between 18 and 35 years, depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship.
• Hold a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay in Canada.
• Provide proof of financial support, demonstrating sufficient funds (at least CAD 2,500) to cover initial living expenses.
• Obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay.
• Have a clean criminal record and provide police certificates if required.
• Meet additional stream-specific requirements, such as securing a job offer for the Young Professionals or International Co-op categories.

The Impact of CRS Points on Express Entry

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points system that ranks candidates in Canada’s Express Entry process. It gives points based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and job offers. A higher CRS score increases the chance of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Canada’s Express Entry system manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For skilled trade workers with job offers or certifications in Canada.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For individuals with Canadian work experience, making it particularly relevant for IEC work permit holders.

Each Express Entry candidate gets a CRS score based on their qualifications. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds regular draws and sets a minimum score for ITAs. Candidates who meet or pass this score get an ITA for permanent residency.

How Higher CRS Points Increase the Chances of Receiving an ITA

A higher CRS score significantly improves the likelihood of receiving an ITA. Applicants with competitive scores stand out in the pool, increasing their chances of selection in a draw. Several factors contribute to boosting CRS points:

• Gaining work experience in Canada through programs like IEC strengthens an Express Entry profile.
• A valid, full-time job offer from a Canadian employer can provide up to 200 additional CRS points, depending on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) level.
• Higher levels of education, including Canadian degrees, add substantial CRS points.
• Strong English or French language skills, demonstrated through IELTS or TEF scores, significantly impact CRS rankings.

Extra CRS Points for IEC Work Permit Holders

New rules now let IEC work permit holders earn extra CRS points in Express Entry. These changes recognize the value of young workers in Canada and give them an advantage in getting permanent residency. The number of CRS points depends on the NOC TEER level of the job offer:

• 200 Additional CRS Points – Granted for job offers in NOC TEER 0 or 00 roles, which include senior management positions such as:
  • Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
  • Financial Managers
  • Engineering Directors
  • Marketing Vice Presidents

• 50 Additional CRS Points – Awarded for job offers in other eligible NOC TEER categories, including:
  • Professional occupations in finance, IT, and healthcare
  • Skilled trades such as electricians, welders, and technicians
  • Mid-level management roles in various industries

Eligibility Criteria for Additional CRS Points

To qualify for extra CRS points, IEC work permit holders must meet the following requirements:

1. Only applicants with an IEC work permit granted before  December 18, 2024, are eligible for the additional CRS points. Those issued after will not qualify under this policy.
2. Qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer. The job offer must be full-time, continuous, and meet the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) criteria. It must also be supported by the employer and align with Express Entry requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does my Job Offer Need an LMIA to Qualify for Extra CRS Points?

No, if you have a valid IEC work permit issued before December 18, 2024, your job offer is LMIA-exempt and still eligible for extra CRS points.

How do I Check if my Job Offer Meets the NOC TEER Requirements?

Use the Government of Canada’s NOC database to find your job’s correct classification and compare your job duties with the NOC description.

How Can I Increase my CRS Score if I don’t Qualify for Extra Points?

You can improve your CRS score by gaining more Canadian work experience, improving language test scores, pursuing additional education, or obtaining a provincial nomination.

Where Can I Find Updates on Express Entry and CRS Changes?

Check the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the latest policy updates and changes.

Conclusion

IEC work permit holders must act fast to boost their CRS score for Express Entry. Only those with a work permit issued before December 18, 2024, can earn extra points. Getting a qualifying job offer can greatly increase the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Earning these extra CRS points has long-term benefits. A higher score improves the chance of getting permanent residency, leading to better jobs, social benefits, and stability in Canada. Taking action now can strengthen an applicant’s immigration profile and secure their future.