Express Entry Update: No More Bonus Points for Arranged Employment

In a significant shift to Canada's immigration system, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the removal of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers under the Express Entry system. Effective March 25, 2025, candidates in the Express Entry pool—both current and future—will no longer receive bonus points for arranged employment, regardless of their occupation.

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Understanding the Impact of the Express Entry Changes

The recent removal of CRS points for job offers represents a fundamental shift in how Canada selects skilled immigrants through Express Entry. Here's a detailed breakdown of what this change means for applicants:

Under the New Rules

Previously, having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer gave candidates a significant boost in their CRS score. As of March 25, 2025, this advantage has been eliminated. Specifically:

• No More 200-Point Bonus for Senior Executives
  Job offers classified under NOC Major Group 00 (senior management roles, such as CEOs, CFOs, and other executive positions) no longer grant 200 CRS points.
• No More 50-Point Bonus for Other Skilled Jobs
  Job offers in any other skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0-3) no longer provide 50 CRS points.

This means that even if you have a valid job offer, it will not increase your CRS score.

Why IRCC Removed Job Offer Points from Express Entry

The Express Entry system is Canada's primary pathway for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. Until now, having a valid job offer provided candidates with a competitive edge by boosting their CRS score. However, IRCC has decided to eliminate this advantage, citing several key reasons:

Focus on Human Capital Over Job Offers

The government wants to prioritize candidates with strong adaptability and long-term potential in Canada's labor market, rather than those with pre-arranged employment. Research shows that immigrants with higher language proficiency, education, and work experience integrate more successfully over time. By removing job offer points, IRCC ensures that selection is based on core human capital factors rather than temporary employment arrangements.

Reducing Fraud and Strengthening System Integrity

Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller first announced this change on December 17, 2024, citing concerns over fraudulent job offers and the illegal purchase of LMIAs (Labour Market Impact Assessments). Some applicants were exploiting the system by securing fake or paid job offers just to gain extra CRS points.

This reform aligns with IRCC's broader crackdown on immigration fraud, including:

• Stricter penalties for misrepresentation.
• A proposed compensation fund for victims of unethical immigration consultants.

By eliminating the points incentive, IRCC reduces opportunities for fraud and ensures a fairer, more transparent selection process.

Reducing Barriers for Global Talent

Many highly skilled workers without Canadian job offers were previously at a disadvantage in the CRS ranking, even if they had strong qualifications. Removing job offer points levels the playing field, allowing Canada to attract top global talent based on skills and potential, rather than pre-arranged employment.

Simplifying the System

The previous rules added unnecessary complexity—some candidates received 50 or 200 extra points depending on their job offer, while others missed out entirely. By removing this variable, IRCC creates a more straightforward and predictable ranking system.

How Will This Impact Express Entry Candidates?

For many applicants, this change could be a game-changer:

• Candidates Without Job Offers – Those who previously lacked arranged employment will now compete on a more level playing field.
• Candidates With Job Offers – Those who relied on the 50 or 200-point boost may see a drop in their CRS score, potentially affecting their ranking in the pool.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates – While Express Entry no longer awards points for job offers, some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) still require a job offer for eligibility.

IRCC has assured applicants that it may take a few days for CRS scores to update in the system. Candidates are advised not to contact IRCC unless their score does not adjust within a week.

What Should Express Entry Applicants Do Now?

If you are planning to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, here is what you should consider:

• Recalculate Your CRS Score – Use the official CRS calculator to see how the removal of job offer points affects your ranking.
• Improve Other Factors – Focus on boosting your score through language tests (IELTS/CELPIP for English, TEF for French), additional education, or gaining more work experience.
• Explore Provincial Nomination – If you have a job offer, consider applying through a PNP stream that still values arranged employment.
• Stay Updated – Monitor IRCC's announcements for further changes to Express Entry draws and eligibility criteria.

What Will Not Change

While the removal of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers is a major shift, it is important to note that some programs still require a valid job offer as part of their eligibility criteria. If you are applying under one of these streams, you must still include your job offer details in your Express Entry profile—even though it won't give you extra CRS points.

Programs Where Job Offers Still Matter

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  A valid job offer (or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority) is still required.
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  While a job offer is not mandatory, having one may help meet the "arranged employment" requirement for additional eligibility points (separate from CRS).
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
  Many PNP streams (e.g., Ontario Employer Job Offer Stream, Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway) still require a job offer to qualify.

Moving Forward With Express Entry

The elimination of job offer points from the CRS system reflects IRCC's commitment to a more equitable and skills-based immigration process. While this change may disadvantage some candidates, it opens doors for highly skilled individuals who previously struggled to compete without a Canadian job offer.

As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, Express Entry remains one of the fastest and most popular pathways to permanent residency. Prospective applicants should stay informed and adapt their strategies to maximize their chances of success.

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