Canada Removes CRS Points for Job Offers in Express Entry – What You Need to Know!

Canada has made a significant change to its Express Entry system, eliminating additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for candidates with valid job offers.

Effective March 25, 2025, candidates will no longer receive 50 or 200 extra CRS points for arranged employment, including those backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

This change impacts all Express Entry applicants who previously relied on job offers to boost their CRS scores. However, those who have already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or have permanent residence (PR) applications in progress remain unaffected.

Why Did Canada Remove CRS Points for Job Offers?

The decision to eliminate job offer points follows concerns over fraudulent practices, including the illegal purchase of LMIAs. Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller initially proposed this change in December 2024, stating that it would help protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and reduce immigration fraud.

How This Change Affects Express Entry Candidates

Lower CRS Scores for Candidates with Job Offers: Those who previously benefited from 50 or 200 extra CRS points will see their scores drop accordingly.

Better Chances for Other Candidates: With scores across the pool adjusting, candidates without job offers may find it easier to receive an ITA.

Unchanged Eligibility for Other Programs: A valid job offer remains a requirement for some immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and specific Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Example of the Impact on CRS Scores

Before this policy change, a job offer could boost a candidate’s CRS score by 50 or 200 points, significantly enhancing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Now, those points are gone.

Let’s illustrate this with an example: Consider two Express Entry candidates, Amit and Priya, applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

If the CRS cutoff for the next draw is 495, Priya will receive an ITA, while Amit will miss out due to his lower score.

Temporary Measure, Long-Term Uncertainty

IRCC has labeled this a “temporary measure” but has not provided a timeline for its reversal. The December 23, 2024, press release indicated a move to curb fraudulent LMIA practices. While the majority of the qualifying criteria for arranged employment remain in the Ministerial Instructions, the points awarding section has been removed.

Important Notes for Express Entry Candidates

• Existing ITAs and applications in progress are unaffected.
• IRCC advises candidates to wait a week before contacting them about incorrect CRS scores, as updates may take a few days.
• Valid job offers remain relevant for eligibility in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.

Physician Job Offer Criteria Also Altered

Additionally, the Ministerial Instructions have removed a section that expanded qualifying arranged employment for physicians. Previously, offers of less than one year were valid if they came from specific government or healthcare organizations. This change narrows the scope of qualifying offers for medical professionals.

Understanding the CRS: The Heart of Express Entry

The Comprehensive Ranking System evaluates Express Entry candidates based on various factors, including:

• Age
• Education
• Language proficiency (English and/or French)
• Work experience
• Additional factors such as Canadian education, French skills, or having a sibling in Canada

The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular Express Entry draws.

Final Thoughts

This major policy shift reshapes Express Entry by leveling the playing field for candidates who do not have job offers. As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, applicants must stay informed and adjust their strategies accordingly.

For more updates on Canadian immigration, stay tuned to our latest travel and visa news coverage.