The recent surge in Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores required for permanent residency in Canada has placed immense pressure on immigrants and the labor market. Since January, the average CRS score for general category draws has consistently exceeded 540, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as reported by CBC. This unprecedentedly high threshold is creating significant challenges for immigrants seeking to establish themselves in Canada.
Manan Gupta, an immigration consultant based in Brampton, expressed his concerns in a CBC interview, stating, “That’s terribly high. It’s impossible to meet, and it’s really rare.” The CRS, a points-based system assessing factors such as skills, education, language ability, and work experience, is becoming an insurmountable barrier for many hopeful immigrants.
The labor shortages in various sectors across Canada are exacerbating the situation. As highlighted in previous reports, the increasing demand for skilled workers is driving up the cost of living and putting additional strain on the economy. Immigrants are resorting to spending tens of thousands of dollars on immigration consultants or lawyers in an effort to improve their CRS scores and secure their place in Canada. However, for many, these efforts are proving futile, potentially leading to their departure from the country.
Gupta warns that the exit of temporary foreign workers could have dire consequences for the Canadian economy. “If these temporary foreign workers suddenly exit the labor market, we don’t have people to fill in the same job,” he explained. The labor force participation rate of immigrants already surpassed that of Canadian-born workers by 2% in early 2024, underscoring their critical role in the workforce.
In Quebec, the situation is equally dire. The Conseil du patronat du Québec reported over 150,000 vacant jobs that require immigrant workers, particularly as the province faces an aging population. The high CRS scores are closing doors on skilled immigrants who have invested years of their lives in Canada, only to be told to return home and start anew. This sentiment is echoed by Gupta: “For someone who has given five to six years of their prime youth to Canada, now they are being told you have to go back home and start fresh. Canada is closing doors on them.”
To retain these valuable workers, it is essential for the federal government to reassess its policies. Gupta suggests that the government should focus on shutting down programs that attract students but do not address acute labor shortages. “The trust is kind of up in the air right now, because every other week there is a new policy being announced. Every other week there is a Band-Aid approach by the government. That approach needs to come to a full stop.”
At Directpath Canada, we pride ourselves on being recognized for excellence in our services. We have successfully placed hundreds of high-skilled workers in Canada, and our team of qualified and licensed immigration consultants is ready to support your journey to permanent residency. By leveraging our expertise, we aim to help clients overcome the high CRS score challenge and contribute to resolving labor shortages without suspending other vital programs such as student pathways.
In conclusion, the rising CRS scores and labor shortages in Canada demand immediate and coordinated action. Through comprehensive recruitment strategies, targeted training programs, and effective policy changes, we can ensure a more stable and prosperous future for both immigrants and the Canadian economy. Directpath Canada is committed to being a part of this solution, providing the support and expertise needed to navigate these challenging times.
Information Source: Human Resources Director
