In a significant shift to Canada’s Express Entry system, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that candidates will no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a valid job offer. This change, which took effect on March 25, 2025, will impact the CRS scores of numerous candidates who previously benefited from extra points for arranged employment, including those with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-supported job offer.
Key Changes in Express Entry CRS Calculation
Before this modification, Express Entry candidates could earn an additional 50 to 200 CRS points for having a qualifying job offer. These extra points significantly increased their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR). However, with this new policy, job offers will no longer provide an advantage in CRS scores.
The IRCC has confirmed that candidates who have already received an ITA or have an ongoing PR application will not be affected by this change. However, those currently in the Express Entry pool who relied on these additional points will see their CRS scores drop accordingly.
Temporary Policy With No Defined End Date
In a press release issued on December 23, 2024, the IRCC stated that the removal of additional CRS points for arranged employment is a temporary measure. However, the government has not specified when this policy will be reversed or if it will become permanent. The latest Ministerial Instructions from March 25, 2025, still include most of the sections defining a valid job offer but have removed the section that previously awarded CRS points for it.
The IRCC has also noted that the updated CRS scores may take a few days to reflect correctly in candidates’ profiles. Those affected by this change are advised not to contact the IRCC unless their scores remain incorrect for more than a week.
Impact on Express Entry Candidates
With this change, candidates who had previously earned CRS points for a job offer will see their scores drop by 50 or 200 points, depending on the type of job offer. Consequently, their chances of receiving an ITA will be lower. On the other hand, candidates who did not have a job offer will find themselves at a relative advantage, as their CRS scores remain unchanged while others in the pool experience a reduction in points.
Example Scenario:
Consider two hypothetical candidates, Andrew and Anita, both applying through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) pathway:
- Before the policy change:
- Andrew had a CRS score of 540 (which included 50 additional points for a job offer).
- Anita had a CRS score of 500.
- After the policy change:
- Andrew loses the 50 extra points, bringing his score down to 490.
- Anita’s score remains at 500.
If the CRS cut-off for the next draw is 495, Anita will receive an ITA while Andrew will not, despite his previous advantage.
Job Offers Still Matter for Certain Programs
While arranged employment no longer contributes to CRS scores, it remains a crucial eligibility criterion for some immigration programs, including:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Streams
This means that candidates should still consider securing valid job offers, as they may be essential for meeting eligibility requirements under these programs.
Changes to Arranged Employment Rules for Physicians
Another critical update within the new Ministerial Instructions is the removal of a provision that previously expanded the definition of qualifying arranged employment for physicians. Under the previous rules, physicians could qualify with job offers of less than one year, provided their offer came from a government entity or a healthcare organization. This exemption has now been removed.
Understanding Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The CRS is a point-based system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. It evaluates applicants based on various factors, including:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language proficiency in English and/or French
Additionally, candidates can earn extra points for factors such as:
- French language skills
- Post-secondary education in Canada
- Having a sibling in Canada (who is a PR or citizen)
- A provincial or territorial nomination (which still provides an extra 600 CRS points)
Canada holds frequent Express Entry draws, and the highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence. With this change, candidates must now rely on other CRS-boosting factors rather than job offers.
Why Did Canada Remove CRS Points for Job Offers?
Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller first announced this policy shift on December 17, 2024. He stated that removing bonus CRS points for job offers would help eliminate the incentive for candidates to “purchase an LMIA,” an illegal practice in Canada.
By implementing this measure, the Canadian government aims to:
- Reduce fraud in the immigration process
- Strengthen the integrity of Express Entry and the overall immigration system
- Ensure that candidates are selected based on merit rather than manipulated job offers
Crackdown on Immigration Fraud
This policy change aligns with the federal government’s broader efforts to combat immigration fraud. Recently, the IRCC introduced multiple regulatory measures, including a proposed compensation fund for victims of fraudulent immigration consultants. Canada has also been increasing enforcement against individuals and agencies engaging in immigration fraud.
Final Thoughts: What This Means for Prospective Immigrants
While this policy change may be disappointing for some candidates who relied on arranged employment for CRS points, it opens opportunities for those who do not have a job offer. Without the additional points boosting some candidates’ scores, the Express Entry system may become more competitive in new ways.
For individuals seeking PR in Canada, focusing on improving their CRS scores through other factors—such as gaining more work experience, improving language proficiency, or securing a provincial nomination—will be key.
If you need expert guidance on adapting your immigration strategy in light of this change, SWEC Visa is here to help. Our experienced consultants can assess your profile, recommend alternative pathways, and assist you in maximizing your CRS score to enhance your chances of receiving an ITA.
Contact SWEC Visa today to navigate these changes with confidence and take the next step toward your dream of permanent Canadian residency.
