In a significant policy shift, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially removed the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) bonus points for arranged employment within the Express Entry system. This change, effective March 2025, marks a transformative moment in Canada’s skilled immigration landscape and is expected to impact thousands of candidates in the Express Entry pool.
Policy Change Overview
Previously, candidates with valid job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) were awarded between 50 to 200 additional CRS points. This bonus significantly increased the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. With the recent amendment, these points have been eliminated, resulting in a recalibration of candidate scores across the board.
The rationale behind the policy change is to streamline the Express Entry system by prioritizing core human capital factors—such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience—over employer-tied job offers. This move aligns with Canada’s evolving immigration priorities that emphasize long-term economic adaptability and mobility.
Impact on the Express Entry Pool
The removal of job offer-related CRS points has reshuffled the distribution of scores in the Express Entry pool. Below is a comparative table showing the number of candidates across different CRS score ranges before and after the policy change:
| CRS Score Range | Candidates (Before) | Candidates (After) |
|---|---|---|
| 600–1200 | 693 | 693 |
| 501–600 | 25,522 | 21,522 |
| 451–500 | 70,055 | 45,055 |
| 401–450 | 61,487 | 83,487 |
| 351–400 | 51,802 | 57,802 |
The shift is particularly evident in the mid-range scores (401–500), which saw a notable increase in candidates post-removal. This redistribution is expected to make the competition stiffer in this range, as more candidates now cluster closer together in CRS points.
Recent Express Entry Draw Trends
Despite the policy change, IRCC has continued to conduct Express Entry draws targeting specific categories and overall CRS scores. For instance:
- On March 6, 2025, a category-based draw for French language proficiency invited 4,500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 410.
- On March 21, 2025, another French-speaking category draw issued 7,500 invitations with a CRS cut-off of just 379.
These draws reflect Canada’s ongoing emphasis on bilingualism and the increasing role of category-based selection in shaping immigration outcomes.
What This Means for Future Applicants
While job offers will no longer boost CRS scores within Express Entry, they remain important for eligibility under other streams such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and employer-driven work permits. Candidates should now focus on strengthening their core human capital attributes:
- Maximizing language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP)
- Enhancing educational credentials via ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)
- Gaining skilled work experience aligned with National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes
- Exploring provincial nomination opportunities, which continue to award up to 600 CRS points
This change emphasizes the need for a well-rounded profile and strategic planning in the competitive Express Entry environment.
Conclusion
Canada’s decision to remove CRS points for arranged employment represents a major shift in immigration strategy. While it levels the playing field for candidates without job offers, it also challenges applicants to invest in their long-term human capital development. As the Express Entry system continues to evolve, staying informed and adapting to these changes will be crucial for anyone aspiring to make Canada their new home.
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