How to Earn 200 CRS points with a Job Offer for Express Entry

Author: Al Parsai LL.M., RCIC-IRB

Last Updated on: July 25, 2024

Omar, an Egyptian 38 years old, works tirelessly in Canada. work permit. He dreams of becoming a permanent resident through the Express Entry system. Recently, Omar discovered he could earn 200 CRS points with a senior management job offer. Excited, Omar envisions his future in Canada. Determined to succeed, he researches, exploring eligibility criteria and requirements. He networks with colleagues and consults immigration experts. Each step brings Omar closer to his goal, fueling his determination. With a clear plan, Omar embarks on his journey to secure that crucial job offer and achieve his dream.

The Role of CRS Points in Express Entry

CRS stands for Comprehensive Ranking System. CRS points determine your ranking in the Express Entry pool. Higher points increase your chances of receiving an Invitation To Apply (ITA). Here are the main factors contributing to your CRS score:

• Core/Human Capital Factors:
  • Maximum of 500 points.
  • Factors include age, education, work experience, and language skills.
• Spouse or Common-law Partner Factors:
  • Maximum of 40 points.
  • Includes your spouse or partner’s education, language proficiency, and work experience.
• Skill Transferability Factors:
  • Maximum of 100 points.
  • Combines education and foreign work experience with good language proficiency.
• Additional Points:
  • Maximum of 600 points.
  • Includes a valid job offer, provincial nomination, and other factors.

A valid job offer can significantly boost your score. For senior management positions, you can earn an extra 200 points. Of course, candidates with more points get invitations to apply for permanent residence faster. Therefore, maximizing your CRS points is crucial.

How a Job Offer Could Generate up to 200 CRS Points

A valid job offer can significantly boost your CRS score. Here’s how it works:

Qualifying for a Job Offer

To qualify, your job offer must meet specific criteria:

• Full-time, continuous, and non-seasonal.
• Lasting at least one year.
• Supported by a valid LMIA or LMIA-exempt.

Points for Job Offers

Different job offers yield different points. Here are the details:

Senior Management Positions

• Earn 200 points for a senior management job.
• These jobs fall under NOC Major Group 00.
• Examples include CEOs, CFOs, and senior executives.

Other Skilled Positions

• Earn 50 points for other skilled job offers.
• These jobs must be in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Includes positions like managers, professionals, and technicians.

Obtaining a Valid Job Offer

To obtain points, follow these steps:

• Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer.
• Ensure the job meets all required criteria.
• Verify the offer has a valid LMIA unless it is exempt.

Impact on CRS Score

A valid job offer significantly boosts your CRS score. For senior management roles, you get up to 200 points. Other skilled positions add up to 50 points to your score. This boost enhances your chances of receiving an ITA.

What We Mean by Major Group 00

Major Group 00 represents senior management occupations. These jobs are at the highest organizational level. They involve making strategic decisions. Here’s a breakdown:

Definition and Scope

Senior management roles fall under Major Group 00. These positions oversee entire organizations or departments. They set strategic goals and policies. Examples include CEOs, CFOs, and senior executives.

Key Responsibilities

Senior managers in Major Group 00 perform critical tasks. They:

• Develop long-term strategies.
• Make high-level decisions.
• Manage overall operations.
• Ensure organizational goals are met.

Examples of Occupations

Major Group 00 includes various roles:

• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• Senior Government Officials
• Senior Executives in large companies

Eligibility for CRS Points

To earn 200 CRS points, your job offer must be in Major Group 00. Ensure the offer meets all Express Entry criteria. This group receives the highest CRS boost due to the strategic importance of these roles.

Specific NOC Codes for 200 CRS Points

A valid job offer in senior management can earn you 200 CRS points. These roles fall under Major Group 00. Here are specific NOC codes eligible for this boost. However, visit the official government website for more information about each classification.

00012 – Senior Managers – Financial, Communications, and Other Business Services

Senior managers in financial, communications, and business services hold pivotal roles. Typically appointed by a board of directors, they work alone or with the board to develop and establish company objectives. They approve policies and programs, directing the operations of their organization through middle managers. They operate in telecommunications, finance, insurance, real estate, and data processing sectors, or they may own and run their businesses.

Example Titles:

• CEO – Telephone company
• CFO – Advertising agency
• President – Bank
• General manager – Real estate management company

00013 – Senior Managers – Health, Education, Social, and Community Services and Membership Organizations

Senior managers in this category lead organizations that provide health, education, social, or community services. They work to establish objectives and formulate policies, often in conjunction with a board of directors. These managers are employed in healthcare organizations, educational services, social and community services, and various membership organizations, or they may own and operate their businesses.

Example Titles:

• Executive director – Health services institution
• CFO – Educational institution
• President – Labour organization
• Executive director – Voluntary organization

00014 – Senior Managers – Trade, Broadcasting, and Other Services

Senior managers in trade, broadcasting, and other services plan and direct companies’ operations in these industries. They work with boards of directors to establish strategic directions and policies. These roles exist in broadcasting, wholesale trade, retail trade, accommodation, food service, and other services, or they may involve owning and running their businesses.

Example Titles:

• President – Department store
• Vice-president – Television broadcasting services
• CFO – Professional sports club
• CEO – Travel agency

00015 – Senior Managers – Construction, Transportation, Production, and Utilities

Senior managers in these industries oversee the operations of companies involved in goods production, utilities, transportation, and construction. They develop and implement policies that guide the company’s strategic direction. These positions are found in industries such as fishing, forestry, logging, agriculture, mining, oil and gas extraction, construction, transportation, warehousing, manufacturing, and utilities. They may also own and run their own businesses.

Example Titles:

• CEO – Manufacturing Company
• CFO – Urban transit system
• Vice-president – Railway
• President – Residential construction company

Aim for these high-level positions to maximize your points.

Under What Circumstances an Officer May Deny 200 CRS Points Despite Having a 00 Job Offer

When you enter the pool of Express Entry, you may easily claim that you have an NOC 00 job offer. The system will assign you the points since there are no checks and balances. Interestingly, at the time of ITA, the system won’t check the validity of your job offer. However, after applying, an officer will review your application. At that point, the officer may deny assigning 200 CRS points to your job offer.

Basic Requirements Not Met

• The job offer must meet basic requirements. The officer will deny the points if no LMIA is provided and it is not LMIA-exempt.
• A valid job offer must be full-time, continuous, and non-seasonal.

Organizational Structure Concerns

• The business’s organizational structure must support the 00 position. If there are no middle managers, the officer may question its validity.
• The company must have a realistic hierarchy that justifies the senior management role.

Applicant’s Qualifications

• The applicant’s resume must reflect their ability to perform the job. If their qualifications seem inadequate, the officer will deny the points.
• Relevant experience and skills are crucial for convincing the officer of the applicant’s suitability.

Authenticity of the Job Offer

• The job offer must appear genuine and not be created solely to earn CRS points. If it seems fabricated, the officer will deny the points. Moreover, they could make you inadmissible on misrepresentation grounds.
• The employer must demonstrate a legitimate need for the position.

Regulatory and Licensing Requirements

• The applicant must meet any regulatory or licensing requirements for the job. Failing to do so can result in a denial.
• Specific occupations may require certifications or licenses that must be verified.

Employer’s Credibility

• The employer’s credibility and compliance with employment standards matter. The officer may deny the points if the employer has a poor track record.
• Ensuring the employer’s legitimacy and reputation can influence the officer’s decision.

Duration and Specificity of the Offer

• The job offer must be for at least one year after the applicant becomes a permanent resident. Vague or short-term offers will not qualify.
• Detailed job descriptions and conditions are essential.

These factors can impact the decision to award 200 CRS points for a 00 job offer. Ensuring all criteria are met and providing comprehensive documentation can increase the chances of approval. Aim to address any potential concerns proactively to avoid denials.

Can Owner/Operators or Self-Employed People Receive 200 CRS Points?

The Express Entry system does not intend to grant CRS points for arranged employment to individuals who own companies and offer themselves positions. However, the ultimate decision-maker is the immigration officer. Therefore, you may still have a chance to receive 200 CRS points even if you receive a job offer from your own company. Here are the key considerations:

Self-Employment and CRS Points

• Self-employed individuals cannot usually receive 200 CRS points for job offers from their own companies.
• The Express Entry profile builder does not verify self-employment details, leaving this to immigration officers.
• Officers assess if the applicant’s qualifications match the declared job offer.

Key Criteria for Assessment

Officers consider several factors when reviewing applications from self-employed individuals:

• They require supporting documentation about the arranged employment.
• They also need evidence about the company’s legitimacy and operational status.

The IRCC Stance

• IRCC aims to prevent self-employed individuals from exploiting the system.
• The definition of “employer” may vary, affecting the decision. Consequently, different officers view this matter differently.
• Ultimately, the assessing officer determines the validity of self-employment job offers.

By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, applicants can better navigate the Express Entry process and improve their chances of success.

Let Us Help!

Since the inception of this program, I have assisted hundreds of Express Entry applicants from several countries. Please book a consultation session so I can assess your options. Alternatively, you may fill out the following form to contact our team.

Fill our Free Canada Immigration Assessment Form in your language!