Canada's Express Entry System Poised for Reform: More Points for Canadian Work Experience on the Horizon

Ottawa is buzzing with discussions that could significantly reshape Canada's flagship economic immigration program, Express Entry. Sources close to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicate the government is actively exploring a recalibration of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to award more points for Canadian work experience. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a strategic move aimed at better integrating new immigrants into the workforce and bolstering the nation's economic resilience.

The proposed changes come as Canada continues to grapple with persistent labour shortages across various sectors, even as it maintains ambitious immigration targets. The current Express Entry system, which manages applications for several economic immigration programs including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program, assigns points based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. While Canadian work experience already contributes to an applicant's CRS score, the discussion centers on increasing its weight — a clear signal that Ottawa wants to prioritize candidates who have already demonstrated their ability to contribute locally.

Why the shift now? For years, policymakers and economists have highlighted the significant advantages of retaining international students and temporary foreign workers who have gained valuable Canadian experience. They've already adapted to Canadian workplace culture, language, and social norms, making their transition to permanent residency smoother and their long-term economic contributions more immediate. "It just makes sense," an immigration consultant, who requested anonymity due to ongoing discussions, commented. "Why invest in bringing someone new when you have a pool of talented individuals already here, already contributing, and ready to stay?"

This recalibration could have profound implications for a diverse range of applicants. Prospective immigrants currently overseas, without prior Canadian work history, might find themselves needing to adjust their strategies, perhaps by seeking temporary work permits or pursuing Canadian educational pathways first. Meanwhile, international students graduating from Canadian institutions and temporary foreign workers already in the country could see a substantial boost to their CRS scores, making their path to permanent residency more direct and predictable. This would be a welcome development for many, addressing long-standing calls to create a more straightforward pathway for those already embedded in Canadian society.

The potential reforms align with IRCC's broader mandate to ensure immigration directly supports Canada's economic needs. By placing a greater emphasis on Canadian work experience, the government aims to select candidates with a higher likelihood of long-term success in the labour market, thereby improving retention rates and reducing underemployment among new immigrants. What's more, this move could also encourage more international students to remain in Canada post-graduation, a critical demographic for filling skilled labour gaps and driving innovation.

While the specifics of the recalibration — how many additional points, for what duration of experience, and how it might impact other CRS categories — are still under wraps, the direction is clear. Stakeholders, including immigration lawyers, educational institutions, and employers, are watching closely for official announcements. Such a change would likely be met with enthusiasm by industries struggling to find skilled workers, as it would streamline the process of converting experienced temporary residents into permanent employees. It also underscores Canada's pragmatic approach to immigration, continuously adapting its policies to meet evolving economic realities and maintain its competitive edge in the global race for talent. Expect further details on these significant reforms to emerge from IRCC in the coming months.