Is it still smart to do a job hunt in Canada after EE job points were removed?

The path for immigrants to Canada has changed. Even without Express Entry job points, finding work still matters. Getting an open work permit helps you build skills, make connections, and start your new life in Canada on solid ground.

Canada recently removed job offer points from its Express Entry system. This change has many people asking if finding work in Canada is still worth it. Before, a job offer gave you extra points toward permanent residency. Now that advantage is gone. So should you still try to find a job in Canada? 

How the Change Affects Immigrants

The government took away the 50-200 points for job offers last month to fight fraud. But this change hurts experienced workers, especially those over 35. Older workers with global experience now face bigger challenges in the immigration process.

Senior managers, business owners, and self-employed people feel this change the most. Before, job points helped make up for lower age-related scores. Now, these skilled workers must find other ways to become permanent residents.

Job Offers Still Help with Immigration

Even without the extra points, having a job offer in Canada still brings many benefits. Most Provincial Nominee Programs still require you to have a job offer to qualify. For the Federal Skilled Worker program, a job offer helps meet basic requirements and can remove the need to show proof of money for settling.

Getting an LMIA-based work permit Canada remains one of the best ways to start your career there. This permit, which your Canadian employer must help you get, builds a strong base for future immigration options.

Jobs Help You Fit Into Canadian Life

Finding work isn’t just about immigration points. It helps you become part of Canadian society. When you work in Canada, you learn the culture firsthand, make friends, and adjust to social norms faster.

A job connects you with people outside your close circle. Your coworkers become part of your support network, helping you navigate life in a new country. These connections often lead to new chances for growth.

With an open work permit, you can work for almost any employer in Canada. This makes it easier to build a wide network. You can change jobs without new immigration papers, giving you freedom to grow your network across different companies.

Canadian Work Experience Boosts Your Career

Real-world skills come from putting in time and effort at work, not just from holding a degree. Employers want people who understand Canadian workplaces and can solve practical problems. With Canadian work experience, you prove you have both the skills and cultural knowledge they’re looking for. Employers in Canada value local work experience highly. Having Canadian jobs on your resume makes you more appealing in the job market and helps you understand workplace norms.

Even starting with a basic job can lead to quick growth once you prove yourself. Many newcomers find that after getting some Canadian experience, their careers advance much faster.

An LMIA-based work permit Canada can be very valuable here. These jobs often fill real skill gaps where qualified Canadians aren’t available, meaning you’re gaining experience in fields where workers are needed.

Work Provides Money and Purpose

A steady job helps you build financial stability in your new country. Regular income lets you build credit, find housing, and plan for your future without using up your savings.

Working also gives you a sense of purpose. Many newcomers find that having a job helps them stay positive during the tough adjustment period. Daily goals create structure and reduce the loneliness that can come with moving to a new country.

People with an open work permit often find this especially helpful. They can switch to new jobs if their first position isn’t right for their long-term goals or well-being.

Long-Term Effects of These Changes

Removing job offer points sends a worrying message about Canada’s welcome to skilled professionals who create jobs and bring new ideas. What started as a way to stop fraud might end up turning away valuable contributors to Canada’s economy.

Other paths exist through Provincial Nominee Programs and special streams for executives or self-employed people. However, these may not fully make up for the big change to the Express Entry system.

The Value of Working Goes Beyond Points

While the point system has changed, the basic benefits of finding a job in Canada remain strong. A job provides:

• Faster adjustment to Canadian society
• Valuable local work experience
• Professional connections
• Financial security
• A sense of belonging

For many immigrants, getting an open work permit or other work permit is still a key first step toward building a good life in Canada, no matter what happens with Express Entry points.

Conclusion

The removal of job offer points doesn’t reduce the value of finding work in Canada. A job offers much more than just immigration points. It creates the foundation for a successful move to Canadian life.

Whether you get an LMIA-based work permit in Canada or take another path to employment, working in Canada remains one of the most effective ways to establish yourself in your new country. The job hunt may have changed as an immigration strategy, but its importance to your overall success in Canada is still very high.

If you need assistance from someone who knows the changes and solutions, you can rely on Canus Immigration. Contact us today for a consultation.