In a significant shift impacting Express Entry candidates, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has removed the additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points previously granted for arranged employment, including job offers backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This change took effect on March 25, 2025, under updated Ministerial Instructions.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
Until now, Express Entry candidates with valid job offers could earn either 50 or 200 bonus CRS points, depending on the type of job. These additional points often made the difference between receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence and remaining in the pool. With the removal of these points, candidates who relied on arranged employment to boost their CRS scores may find it harder to secure an ITA.
This change impacts the CRS scores of all candidates currently in the Express Entry pool who had earned points for arranged employment. However, those who have already received ITAs or have ongoing permanent residence (PR) applications are not affected by this update.
Why Canada Removed Bonus CRS Points for Job Offers
The removal of extra CRS points for job offers aims to address concerns over immigration fraud. Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this policy change in December 2024, emphasizing that it was designed to curb illegal practices such as candidates purchasing fraudulent LMIAs to boost their CRS scores. The federal government has highlighted that this measure will strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and reduce opportunities for fraudulent behavior.
Impact on CRS Scores and Candidates’ Chances
With the bonus points for arranged employment removed, the CRS scores of affected candidates will decrease by the amount they had previously earned for their job offers. This change could improve the chances of other candidates who do not have job offers, as their scores remain unchanged while others’ scores drop.
Consider the following example:
- Andrew: Before the change, Andrew had a CRS score of 540, which included 50 points for his job offer. Without those points, his score drops to 490.
- Anita: Anita, who did not have a job offer, had a score of 500.
If an upcoming Express Entry draw has a CRS cutoff of 495, Anita will now receive an ITA, while Andrew will not.
Updates for Physicians and Arranged Employment Criteria
The updated Ministerial Instructions also affect physicians. Previously, physicians’ job offers could qualify for CRS points even if they were for less than one year, provided they were issued by a provincial government or healthcare-related agency. This special provision has now been removed.
How the CRS System Works
The Comprehensive Ranking System is the core of Canada’s Express Entry process. It evaluates eligible candidates based on various factors and ranks them in the Express Entry pool. The highest-ranking candidates are then invited to apply for PR.
Factors considered in the CRS include:
- Age
- Education
- Language proficiency (English and French)
- Work experience
Additional points can be awarded for factors such as:
- French language skills
- Post-secondary education in Canada
- Having a sibling in Canada who is a citizen or PR
- Receiving a provincial or territorial nomination
Government Efforts to Combat Immigration Fraud
Canada has been intensifying efforts to combat immigration fraud. The removal of CRS points for job offers is part of a broader initiative that includes proposed new regulations and increased oversight of immigration consultants. Earlier in 2025, IRCC proposed creating a compensation fund for victims of unethical consultants as part of its crackdown on fraud.
Implications for Express Entry Candidates
This policy change may reshape the Express Entry landscape. Candidates with high human capital factors—such as advanced education, strong language skills, and Canadian work experience—may now have an edge over those who previously relied on arranged employment points. Meanwhile, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which offer additional CRS points to candidates selected by provinces or territories, may become even more significant for candidates seeking to boost their scores.
What Candidates Can Do Next
If your CRS score has decreased due to the removal of job offer points, you may want to explore other ways to enhance your score, such as:
- Improving your language test scores (e.g., IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF for French)
- Gaining additional work experience in Canada
- Pursuing further education in Canada
- Obtaining a provincial nomination through a PNP
For candidates seeking personalized guidance, book a free immigration consultation here to discuss your options and develop a strategy for improving your CRS score and chances of immigration success.
While the removal of CRS points for job offers may initially seem like a setback for some candidates, it also presents opportunities for those with strong core CRS factors. By adapting to these changes and leveraging other pathways, you can still enhance your chances of achieving your goal of immigrating to Canada.
