Canadian Immigration Podcast

By Mark HoltheBusiness Education Government How To

Canadian Immigration Podcast episodes

July 27CIP 189: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 10 - 95 CRS Points at Risk - French, Study, and Sibling
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry examine three Express Entry bonus-point factors that could soon be removed or refined—up to 50 points for French-language ability, 30 points for Canadian education, and 15 points for having a sibling in Canada.
They explain why IRCC considers these factors weaker predictors of long-term economic success, which applicants are most exposed to the proposed changes, and how candidates should prepare before new ministerial instructions alter the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Key Topics Discussed
The proposed removal or refinement of French, Canadian education, and sibling bonus points
Why IRCC considers these factors weaker predictors of long-term economic success
Why French may remain valuable through category-based Express Entry draws
Practical strategies for applicants currently relying on these additional CRS points

Key Takeaways
Applicants could lose up to 95 CRS points across French-language ability, Canadian education, and having a sibling in Canada if the proposed reforms are implemented.
Removing the 50 French-language bonus points would not necessarily eliminate French category-based draws, which may continue offering candidates a pathway with lower CRS cut-offs.
Applicants with one or two-year Canadian college credentials and those relying on sibling points may be the most exposed, while IRCC may preserve education points for certain graduate-level programs.
Candidates should calculate their CRS scores without these additional points and consider strengthening their education, language ability, Canadian work experience, or earnings.

Quotes from the Episode:
Mark Holthe:
"You cannot look at your current situation, the current rules, and then make your long-term decisions based on the way the world looks now."
Alicia Backman-Beharry:
"Understand if all these points for French and for siblings and for your Canadian education go away, are you still in a relatively strong position?"
Links and Resources
How to list your Canadian spouse in an Express Entry Application
Watch this episode on YouTube
Canadian Immigration Podcast
Book a consult
Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass
Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.
Disclaimer
This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.
35 min
July 06CIP 188: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 9 - The Spousal Penalty - Can't be gone soon enough
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry examine one of the most controversial elements of Canada's proposed Express Entry reforms—the planned removal of the spousal points grid that currently reduces Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores for applicants with accompanying spouses.
They explain how the current system penalizes many married and common-law couples, why IRCC's own economic research suggests the policy does not accurately predict immigrant success, and what applicants should consider while waiting for the proposed changes to be implemented.
Key Topics Discussed
How the current spousal points grid reduces CRS scores for accompanying spouses
Why IRCC's own research suggests spouse factors have little impact on long-term economic success
The proposed removal of the spousal points grid and what it could mean for families
Practical strategies for couples deciding whether to include a spouse on an Express Entry application
Key Takeaways
Under the current CRS system, applicants with accompanying spouses can lose up to 40 human capital points, depending on their spouse's education, language ability, and Canadian work experience.
IRCC's own longitudinal research indicates that a spouse's education, language ability, and Canadian work experience have little measurable impact on the principal applicant's long-term economic outcomes.
Removing the spousal grid would allow applicants to be assessed on their own human capital rather than their spouse's qualifications, helping reduce unintended penalties for families.
Although the proposed reform has been announced, applicants must continue planning under the current rules until IRCC officially implements the changes.
Quotes from the Episode:
Mark Holthe:
"It wasn't the spouse that reduced a family's success—the system simply assumed it did."
Alicia Backman-Beharry:
"The evidence doesn't support the spousal grid. It really functions as a penalty that doesn't reflect actual economic outcomes."
Links and Resources
How to list your Canadian spouse in an Express Entry Application
Watch this episode on YouTube
Canadian Immigration Podcast
Book a consult
Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass
Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.
Disclaimer
This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.
35 min
July 02CIP 187: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 8 - Your Job Offer is Worth ZERO (But not for long)
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry examine the return of job offers as a proposed factor in Express Entry and why this change could become one of the most significant elements of Canada's immigration reforms.
They explain why job offer points were eliminated due to widespread LMIA fraud, how IRCC plans to reintroduce job offers through the proposed High-Wage Occupation framework, and why the new approach may benefit some applicants while leaving many essential workers behind.
Key Topics Discussed
Why job offer points were removed from Express Entry
How LMIA fraud undermined the integrity of the system
The proposed return of job offers tied to High-Wage Occupation classifications
Why legitimate employers and many lower-wage essential workers may be affected by the new rules
Key Takeaways
Job offer points were eliminated because widespread LMIA fraud allowed individuals to purchase fraudulent job offers to gain additional CRS points.
IRCC now proposes bringing job offers back through the High-Wage Occupation framework, focusing on occupations with higher national median wages.
Applicants working in high-wage occupations may receive significant advantages, while many healthcare support workers, hospitality employees, and other essential occupations may receive little or no benefit.
Although IRCC has outlined its direction, important details—including how qualifying job offers will be defined and how the new rules will be implemented—have not yet been finalized.
Quotes from the Episode:
Mark Holthe:
"It wasn't the system that was broken—it was the enforcement that was broken."
Alicia Backman-Beharry:
"A real offer is the only offer of employment that should count under the old system or under the new system."
Links and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube
Canadian Immigration Podcast
Book a consult
Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass
Claiming Express Entry CRS points for a Job Offer in Canada
Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.
Disclaimer
This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.
50 min
June 29CIP 186: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 7 - Your Job Title, Your Score - Who Gets the Boost?
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry break down one of the most significant proposed changes to Express Entry: the new High-Wage Occupation (HWO) factor.
They explain why IRCC believes pre-landing earnings are a strong predictor of economic success, how the proposed occupation-based multiplier could dramatically boost CRS scores for some applicants, and why many temporary residents—including international graduates and essential workers—could find themselves at a disadvantage.
Key Topics Discussed
Why IRCC is introducing the proposed High-Wage Occupation factor
How occupation—not your personal salary—will determine eligibility
The three proposed wage multiplier categories and how they may work
Why some occupations could receive significant CRS boosts while others receive none
Key Takeaways
The proposed High-Wage Occupation factor is based on national median wages for occupations, not what an individual personally earns.
Applicants working in higher-paying occupations may receive substantial additional CRS points under the new system.
Many essential workers and international graduates in lower-wage occupations could become less competitive despite having Canadian education and work experience.
Although the overall framework has been released, many implementation details—including the exact CRS points awarded—have not yet been finalized.
Quotes from the Episode:
Mark Holthe:
"It is occupation-based, not individual-based."
Alicia Backman-Beharry:
"The system is not structurally reinforcing the wages of the people that we tend to devalue."
Links and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube
Canadian Immigration Podcast
Book a consult
Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass
Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.
Disclaimer
This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.
46 min
June 26CIP 185: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 6 - 3 Doors to 1: Who Gets In, Who Gets Locked Out?
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry examine one of the biggest proposed Express Entry reforms: merging the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program into a single pathway.
They explain who stands to benefit, who may be disadvantaged, and why simplifying the system could dramatically change who qualifies for permanent residence in Canada.
Key Topics Discussed
Why IRCC wants to merge the three Express Entry programs
New minimum eligibility requirements under the proposed single program
Winners and losers under the proposed changes
Why trades workers and international students may face new barriers
Key Takeaways
A single Express Entry program may simplify the system but will also reshape who qualifies to enter the pool.
Foreign skilled workers with varied work experience may benefit from more flexible eligibility rules.
Higher language and education requirements could make it harder for many skilled trades workers to qualify.
The proposed reforms are still subject to public consultation, giving Canadians and stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback.
Quotes from the Episode:
Mark Holthe:
“When you take three doors built to three different heights and replace them with one door, somebody’s door just got lower. Somebody else’s just got higher.”
Alicia Backman-Beharry:
“Simpler is a relative term measured against the old system, and it’s not a promise for what your odds are in the future under the new program.”
Links and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube
Canadian Immigration Podcast
Book a consult
Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass
Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.
Disclaimer
This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.
40 min
June 23CIP 184: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 5 - Where Do You Stand Now?
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry continue their series on major Express Entry reforms expected in Canada.
They explain why a high CRS score may no longer guarantee a realistic path to permanent residence, and break down the growing divide between general draws and category-based draws in Express Entry.
Key Topics Discussed
The 169 versus 505 CRS paradox
General draws versus category-based draws
STEM draw blackout and category-based uncertainty
High-wage occupations and future CRS changes
Key Takeaways
A higher CRS score does not always mean a better chance of receiving an ITA.
Category-based draws can completely change the outcome for applicants with lower CRS scores.
Some categories, including STEM, may remain inactive for long periods despite appearing on IRCC’s list.
Applicants need to understand where they stand now and prepare before CRS changes arrive.
Quotes from the Episode:
Mark Holthe:
“If your whole plan is, ‘I will just wait for the general cutoff to drift down to my score,’ the data is basically telling you that that’s not a plan.”
Alicia Backman-Beharry:
“It is just so important now to be extremely targeted in terms of how you are planning for your future instead of passive.”
Links and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube
Canadian Immigration Podcast
Book a consult
Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass
Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.
Disclaimer
This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.
1 hr 3 min
June 18CIP 183: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 4 - The Biggest Shake-up Since 2015
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry continue their series on major Express Entry reforms expected in Canada.
They explain why the public consultation on minimum eligibility may not be the reform that most affects applicants, and break down the three tracks applicants need to watch: regulatory reform, CRS changes through ministerial instructions, and category-based draws.
Key Topics Discussed
Three-track timeline for Express Entry reforms
CRS changes versus regulatory amendments
Category-based draws and public consultation
High-wage occupations and future job offer points
Key Takeaways
The eligibility merger is important, but it is not the most urgent reform for most applicants.
CRS changes could arrive quickly through ministerial instructions and may significantly affect scores.
Category-based draws are running on a separate clock and may become even more important as bonus points are removed.
Applicants should prepare strategically by keeping as many pathways open as possible.
Quotes from the Episode:
Mark Holthe:
“No longer can you just submit a profile, sit back, and wait for your turn.”
Alicia Backman-Beharry:
“It’s really a matter of being really thoughtful about what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and where you want it to take you.”
Links and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube
Canadian Immigration Podcast
Book a consult
Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass
Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.
Disclaimer
This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.
49 min
June 15CIP 182: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 3 - What's Changing, What Isn't, and Your Early Game Plan
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry continue their series on major Express Entry reforms expected in Canada.
They break down the two-track timeline for Express Entry changes, what is expected to change quickly through ministerial instructions, what will take longer through regulatory amendments, and how applicants should assess their current strategy before the deeper reform episodes begin.
Key Topics Discussed
Two-track timeline for Express Entry reforms
Ministerial instructions versus regulatory amendments
What is staying stable in Express Entry for 2026
High-wage occupation factors and future CRS changes
Key Takeaways
Express Entry is evolving, not collapsing, and many core features remain stable for now.
Ministerial instruction changes could happen quickly and may affect CRS scoring factors.
Regulatory reforms, including a potential merger of FSW, CEC, and FST, are expected later.
Applicants should assess whether their occupation, Canadian experience, education, spouse, French, PNP, or job offer strategy may be affected.
Quotes from the Episode:
Mark Holthe:
“Change is here. It is right on the doorstep.”
Alicia Backman-Beharry:
“It’s so helpful to understand which reforms are coming and when they’re coming.”
Links and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube
Canadian Immigration Podcast
Book a consult
Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass
Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.
Disclaimer
This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.
59 min
June 11CIP 181: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 2 - Why Canada is Rewriting the Rules
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry continue their series on major Express Entry reforms expected in Canada.
They examine IRCC’s own data on Express Entry outcomes, why Canada is still proposing major reforms to a system that appears to be working, and how high wages, job offers, Canadian experience, French language ability, category-based draws, and immigration levels could reshape future permanent residence strategies.
Key Topics Discussed
IRCC data on Express Entry outcomes
High-wage Canadian work experience and job offers
Immigration levels and temporary resident reductions
Why Express Entry reforms are being proposed
Key Takeaways
Express Entry applicants generally have strong employment, wage, and occupation-match outcomes.
IRCC appears to be recalibrating the system toward high-wage earners and stronger economic predictors.
Reduced temporary resident and permanent resident targets are making PR planning more competitive.
Applicants should reassess CRS strategies that rely on bonus points, occupation categories, French, Canadian education, and timing.
Quotes from the Episode:
Mark Holthe:
“Does my current CRS strategy, the factors I’m counting on, the timing I’ve planned, the profile I’ve built still make sense under a system being recalibrated toward high-wage earnings?”
Alicia Backman-Beharry:
“They are changing things not because they don’t work, not because they’re broken, but because they want to make it better.”
Links and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube
Canadian Immigration Podcast
Book a consult
Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass
Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.
Disclaimer
This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.
52 min
June 08CIP 180: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 1 - Express Entry Explained
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry launch a new series on major Express Entry reforms expected in Canada.
They explain how Express Entry works, why it is not a permanent residence program itself, what applicants need to understand about the current system, and how upcoming changes to CRS points, category-based draws, and program structures could affect future permanent residence strategies.
Key Topics Discussed
Express Entry basics
Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades
CRS score factors
Upcoming Express Entry reforms
Key Takeaways
Express Entry is a system for managing economic immigration applications, not a program itself.
Being in the Express Entry pool does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
Canadian Experience Class and category-based draws are currently playing a major role.
Upcoming reforms could significantly change how CRS points are awarded.
Quotes from the Episode:
Mark Holthe:
“There’s nothing more important than knowing what’s coming and then doing what you can to increase your chances of success.”
Alicia Backman-Beharry:
“What people do right now is going to impact whether their profile is one that has a chance in the future.”
Links and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube
Canadian Immigration Podcast
Book a consult
Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass
Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.
Disclaimer
This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.
47 min

About Canadian Immigration Podcast

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This podcast is all about Canadian Immigration law, policy, and practice. Periodically Canadian immigration lawyer Mark Holthe will address various topics related to the Canadian immigration process.…