Express Entry
Canada Removes CRS Points for Arranged Employment in Express Entry
The Canadian government has made a significant change to the Express Entry system. As of March 25, 2025, candidates will no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a valid job offer, including those backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Impact of the Change on Express Entry Candidates
Previously, Express Entry applicants could receive 50 or 200 additional CRS points for an arranged job offer, improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR). With this update, candidates in the Express Entry pool who had these extra points will now see their CRS scores decrease.
However, individuals who did not have a job offer will likely benefit from this policy change. Since the overall CRS scores in the pool will be lower, their relative chances of receiving an ITA may improve.
What Happens to Ongoing PR Applications?
This policy does not impact candidates who have already received an ITA or those whose PR applications are currently in progress. However, those still in the Express Entry pool will see their CRS scores adjusted accordingly.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that it may take a few days for candidates’ new scores to reflect on the system. Candidates experiencing discrepancies beyond a week are advised to contact IRCC for clarification.
Qualifying Arranged Employment Still Relevant for Other Programs
While CRS points for arranged employment have been removed, a valid job offer remains crucial for eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.
Additionally, IRCC has updated its Ministerial Instructions to remove the special provision allowing short-term physician job offers from government agencies to qualify as arranged employment. This change will impact healthcare professionals relying on this exemption.
Why Did Canada Remove CRS Points for Arranged Employment?
The decision to eliminate additional CRS points for job offers follows concerns about misuse of the LMIA process. The government aims to prevent fraudulent practices where some candidates allegedly obtained LMIA-backed job offers improperly. This step is part of a broader effort to uphold the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller hinted at this policy change in December 2024, citing concerns over the sale of LMIAs, which is illegal in Canada. The federal government has also introduced new measures to combat immigration fraud, including a proposed compensation fund for victims of unethical immigration consultants.
What’s Next for Express Entry Candidates?
Candidates should reassess their CRS scores and explore alternative ways to improve their ranking. Key strategies include:
- Enhancing French language proficiency for additional CRS points.
- Pursuing post-secondary education in Canada to gain extra points.
- Seeking a provincial nomination, which still provides a significant CRS boost.
With this latest change, Express Entry candidates must adapt their strategies to remain competitive. The government continues to refine immigration policies to balance economic needs and program integrity.
