Canada Removes Bonus CRS Points for Job Offers from Express Entry

Canada has long been recognised as one of the most welcoming countries for skilled immigrants, with the Express Entry system serving as a key gateway to permanent residency. However, in a surprising turn of events, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a significant policy change that will alter the dynamics of Express Entry.

Effective March 25, 2025 candidates will no longer receive bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment. This decision has sparked widespread discussion among immigration experts, employers, and hopeful immigrants who were relying on job offers to boost their chances of securing permanent residency (PR).

This article explores the details of this major policy change, why IRCC decided to implement it, who will be most affected, and what steps Express Entry candidates can take to remain competitive in the immigration system.

Table of Contents

1. Express Entry Job Offer Points Removed
2. What Remains Unchanged in Express Entry
3. Why IRCC Implemented This Change
4. Impact on Express Entry Candidates
5. How CRS Scores Will Be Affected
6. Strategies for Candidates to Improve Their CRS Score
7. Implications for Canadian Employers and the Job Market
8. Conclusion
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Express Entry Job Offer Points Removed

Prior to this policy shift, Express Entry candidates with a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) , could gain additional CRS points, which significantly improved their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), for permanent residency. The previous point allocation was as follows:

• 200 CRS points for candidates with a job offer in a senior management position (National Occupation Classification – NOC Major Group 00).
• 50 CRS points for candidates with a job offer in any other skilled occupation.

These bonus points often served as a game-changer, enabling candidates with moderate CRS scores to leap ahead in the rankings and secure ITAs, even if other factors in their profiles were not as competitive.

However, as of March 25, 2025, this advantage has been completely removed. Job offers will no longer provide any additional CRS points, regardless of occupation or industry. The only exception is for candidates who have already received an ITA or have submitted their PR applications—their points will remain unchanged.

What Remains Unchanged in Express Entry

Despite the removal of bonus CRS points, job offers still play an essential role in certain Express Entry pathways and other immigration programs. It is important for candidates to understand that:

• The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) still requires a valid job offer for eligibility in many cases.
• The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) allows candidates to use job offers to meet minimum eligibility criteria.
• Several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) still prioritize candidates with job offers, meaning employment-based immigration is far from obsolete.

Although the removal of CRS points is a significant change, IRCC has encouraged candidates to continue including job offer details in their Express Entry profiles to ensure eligibility for these programs.

Why IRCC Implemented This Change: Reasons Behind it

While IRCC has officially stated that this is a "temporary measure," no clear timeline has been provided regarding whether or when job offer points will be reinstated. There are several possible reasons behind this decision:

1. Creating a Fairer Express Entry System

The Express Entry CRS system was designed to rank candidates based on human capital factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. However, candidates with job offers received a significant boost, even if their other credentials were not as strong. By removing job offer points, IRCC may be aiming to ensure that candidates are selected based on their overall skill set and potential contribution rather than their employer connections.

2. Addressing Concerns Over Fraudulent Job Offers

There have been multiple reports of fraudulent job offers and misuse of LMIAs to obtain Express Entry points unfairly. Some candidates allegedly paid employers to issue fake job offers, undermining the integrity of the system. Eliminating job offer points reduces the incentive for such fraudulent activities.

3. Aligning Immigration Policies with Economic Needs

The Canadian labor market is constantly evolving, with certain industries facing skill shortages while others experience workforce saturation. By removing job offer points, IRCC may be restructuring Express Entry to better align with Canada’s long-term workforce demands

Impact on Express Entry Candidates

This policy change will affect different groups of candidates in various ways:

1. Current Express Entry Candidates in the Pool

• If you were counting on job offer points to increase your CRS score, your ranking may drop significantly
• You may no longer meet the cutoff for the next Express Entry draw.

2. Future Express Entry Applicants

• Candidates without job offer points must now focus on strengthening other CRS factors , such as language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience.

3. Candidates with an ITA or PR Application in Process

• If you have already received an ITA or submitted your PR application , your CRS points remain unchanged, and this policy will not affect your application.

How CRS Scores Will Be Affected By This Change 

To understand how this change impacts Express Entry scores, consider the following scenario:

Before March 25, 2025:

• A candidate with a 500 CRS score and a 50-point job offer boost had a total CRS of 550 , making them highly competitive.

After March 25, 2025:

• The same candidate now has only 500 CRS points , making it more difficult to secure an ITA.

This pattern is even more drastic for senior management roles, where candidates previously received 200 additional points.

Strategies for Candidates to Improve Their CRS Score

If you are an Express Entry candidate affected by this policy, there are still ways to boost your CRS score:

1. Improve Your Language Test Scores – Higher IELTS or CELPIP scores can increase CRS points significantly.
2. Gain More Education – Additional degrees, diplomas, or certifications can provide a points boost.
3. Obtain Canadian Work Experience – Working in Canada on a work permit can help you gain up to 200 CRS points.
4. Apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points.
5. Include Your Spouse’s Credentials – If applicable, your spouse’s qualifications can contribute extra points.

Implications for Canadian Employers and the Job Market

The removal of job offer points may reduce the attractiveness of Express Entry for international workers, potentially impacting industries that rely on foreign talent. Employers may now have to explore alternative programs such as:

• The Global Talent Stream (GTS) for highly skilled tech workers.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) with employer-driven streams.

Conclusion

Canada’s decision to eliminate job offer points from Express Entry is a game-changing policy shift that will reshape immigration pathways. While this may create challenges for some candidates, there are still multiple ways to enhance CRS scores and improve eligibility for PR.

For now, Express Entry hopefuls must adapt to these changes and explore new strategies to remain competitive in Canada’s evolving immigration system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What role do job offers play in Express Entry after the removal of CRS points?

Ans: Although job offers no longer provide additional CRS points, they still play a crucial role in certain immigration programs. For example, a valid job offer remains a requirement for eligibility under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and is still beneficial for some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Candidates should continue including job offer details in their Express Entry profiles to maintain eligibility for these pathways.

Q2. How will the removal of job offer points affect Express Entry CRS scores?

Ans: Candidates who previously relied on 50 or 200 bonus points for arranged employment will see their CRS scores drop. This may result in fewer invitations to apply (ITAs) for those who depended on these extra points to remain competitive in the Express Entry pool.

Q3. What alternatives are available for candidates who relied on job offer points?

Ans: Candidates can improve their CRS scores by:

• Enhancing language proficiency (IELTS/CELPIP/French scores).
• Pursuing additional education to gain extra CRS points.
• Gaining Canadian work experience through temporary work permits.
• Applying for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which can add 600 CRS points.

Q4. How will the removal of job offer points impact Express Entry draw cut-off scores?

Ans: The removal of job offer points may cause a temporary decrease in Express Entry draw cut-off scores, as fewer candidates will have high CRS scores. However, the long-term impact will depend on the overall applicant pool, the number of ITAs issued, and how IRCC adjusts its selection criteria over time.

Q5. What are the chances of job offer points being reinstated in the future?

Ans: IRCC has labeled this change as a "temporary measure," but no specific timeline has been provided for its reversal. While there is a possibility that job offer points could return, there is no guarantee. Candidates should focus on improving their CRS scores through other means rather than waiting for a potential policy reversal.

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