Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented its December 2024 policy announcement, removing all Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers in Express Entry effective March 25, 2025.
Policy Background
In a December 23, 2024, press release, IRCC described this change as a “temporary measure” to combat LMIA-related fraud, though no timeline was provided for potential reinstatement.
The March 25, 2025, Ministerial Instructions formalized this shift—while retaining definitions of qualifying job offers, the sections awarding CRS points for them have been completely removed.
For candidates impacted, the change took immediate effect. This is one of the most significant modifications to the Express Entry scoring system in a long time, fundamentally altering the competitive landscape for permanent residency applicants.
Key Changes
As of March 25, 2025, Express Entry candidates no longer receive CRS points for arranged employment, where previously 50 to 200 points were available depending on the TEER of the job offer.
Key Exceptions (What Stays the Same)
If having a valid offer of arranged employment is part of your eligibility criteria for meeting program minimum entry criteria, this won’t change. This includes:
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams
You should still include job offer details in your Express Entry profile to remain eligible for these programs.
Why Did IRCC Make This Change?
The removal of job offer points aligns with IRCC’s efforts to:
- Reduce Fraud & Misuse – Some employers and applicants exploit the LMIA system through “pay-for-job-offer” schemes.
- Prioritize Core Human Capital Factors
- Streamline Selection – Candidates are now selected based on long-term economic potential rather than temporary job offers.
How Does This Impact Express Entry Candidates?
- Candidates With Job Offers
- If you previously had 50 or 200 points for a job offer, your CRS score will decrease.
- IRCC states it may take a few days for profiles to update automatically.
- If your score hasn’t adjusted by April 1, 2025, contact IRCC.
- Candidates Without Job Offers
- Your CRS score remains unchanged, but you may now have a better chance in Express Entry draws since other candidates with job offers would have lost those points.
- Already Invited or Applied? If you’ve already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or submitted a PR application, this change does not affect you.
What Should You Do Now?
Since job offers no longer boost CRS scores, candidates should focus on maximizing points through:
- Improving language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF)
- Obtaining higher education credentials (ECA for foreign degrees)
- Gaining Canadian work experience (Canadian Experience Class)
- Exploring Provincial Nomination (PNP) – A nomination still grants 600 additional CRS points
Need Help Navigating These Changes?
If you’re in the Express Entry pool or planning to apply for Canadian permanent residency, give yourself the best chance of success by having a professional create or review your profile to maximize your score.
Get your profile optimized by scheduling an Express Entry profile review with one of our Immigration Consultants for expert advice.
Our team will assess your situation, guide you through the application process, and ensure compliance with the new regulations.
Contact us today to secure an immigration strategy session and stay ahead in Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.
The Team at Northern Connections Canada
