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IRCC to Remove CRS Points for Job Offers in Express Entry by Spring 2025

IRCC To Drop CRS Points For Job Offers In 2025

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In a significant policy shift, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced its plan to remove the allocation of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for valid job offers under the Express Entry system. This change is set to take effect in the spring of 2025, marking a temporary departure from the current points-based advantage for arranged employment.

Key Details of the Change

Currently, candidates in the Express Entry pool with valid job offers receive an additional 50 or 200 CRS points, depending on the position. These points often serve as a critical advantage in securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The upcoming policy adjustment will eliminate these additional points, applying uniformly to:

  • New candidates entering the Express Entry pool.
  • Existing candidates, including those temporarily working in Canada.

The IRCC clarified that this is a temporary measure, though no end date has been provided.

Impact on Candidates

The removal of CRS points for arranged employment will apply across all sectors of the economy, ensuring no distinction between industries. However, the change will not affect candidates or applicants who:

  1. Have already received an ITA and are in the process of applying for permanent residence.
  2. Have submitted their PR application and are awaiting processing.

To clarify, within the Express Entry system:

  • A candidate is an individual who has created a profile and is in the Express Entry pool.
  • An applicant is a candidate who has received an ITA and subsequently submitted their PR application to IRCC.

Original Announcement and Policy Context

The change was initially announced on December 17, 2023, by Immigration Minister Marc Miller. At that time, details about implementation were scarce, but the announcement made it clear that additional CRS points for job offers under the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) framework would no longer be awarded.

This policy adjustment underscores Canada’s evolving approach to managing immigration pathways, aligning with broader goals of prioritizing skill-based migration over employment-based incentives.

What is Canada’s Express Entry System?

Express Entry is one of Canada’s most prominent pathways for economic immigration, managing applications for three federal immigration programs:

  1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Candidates in the Express Entry pool are assigned a score out of 1,200 CRS points based on factors such as:

  • Age
  • Education
  • Language proficiency
  • Work experience

Additionally, candidates can earn up to 600 bonus points for factors like:

  • Having a sibling in Canada.
  • French language proficiency.
  • Canadian post-secondary education.
  • Arranged employment (currently).
  • Provincial or territorial nomination.

However, with the upcoming change in spring 2025, candidates will no longer earn points for valid job offers under the arranged employment category.

Why the Change?

The IRCC aims to ensure fairness and balance in the Express Entry system by reducing the over-reliance on job offers as a decisive factor in CRS scoring. This move is also expected to streamline the selection process, allowing Canada to focus on attracting candidates with diverse skills and qualifications, regardless of employment status.

Industry insiders suggest that this change may also address concerns regarding potential misuse of LMIA-based job offers and create a level playing field for all candidates.

What This Means for Applicants

If you are planning to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, this change underscores the importance of maximizing points through other factors such as education, language proficiency, and provincial nomination programs. With job offers no longer carrying additional points, applicants should focus on building a strong, well-rounded profile to increase their chances of receiving an ITA.

Why Choose SWEC Visa?

Navigating the complexities of Canada’s immigration system can be daunting, especially with frequent policy updates. At SWEC Visa, we specialize in providing expert guidance to help you adapt to these changes. Whether you are a new applicant or an existing candidate, our experienced consultants can:

  • Help you optimize your CRS score.
  • Guide you through alternative pathways like provincial nominations.
  • Ensure your application meets the latest requirements.

Let SWEC Visa simplify your journey to Canada. With our personalized support, we make your Canadian dream achievable.

Conclusion

The removal of CRS points for job offers represents a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policy. While this change may challenge candidates relying on arranged employment, it also presents an opportunity to highlight other strengths in their profiles. With proper planning and expert guidance from SWEC Visa, you can stay ahead of these changes and secure your pathway to permanent residence in Canada.

Spring 2025 marks a new chapter in Canada’s immigration system—are you ready for it? Connect with SWEC Visa today and start your journey with confidence!

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