2025 CRS Changes EXPLAINED Lost Points You Might Qualify for STEM Category!
Major Drop in CRS Scores: What Canada’s Express Entry Changes Mean for You in 2025
✳️ Overview
In a major policy shift, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) removed the CRS points for arranged employment, causing thousands of Express Entry candidates to see their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores drop significantly. This move has reshaped the Express Entry pool and created new dynamics in the race for Canadian permanent residency (PR).
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, it’s crucial to understand these changes, their implications, and whether you now qualify under the new STEM Express Entry category.
What Changed in Express Entry?
❌ Removal of Arranged Employment Points
Previously, candidates with a valid job offer could gain an additional 50 to 200 CRS points, depending on the role. Since March 25, 2025, these points have been removed, leading to a dramatic reshuffling of candidate scores.
Impact on CRS Score Distribution
Here’s what happened between March 16 and April 14, 2025:
-
5,740 profiles vanished from the 501–600 CRS range
-
The 491–500 range lost 1,618 profiles
-
The 481–490 range saw a drop of 984 profiles
This reshuffling pushed candidates into lower CRS ranges, intensifying competition in previously moderate bands like 461–470, which gained 2,157 new profiles.
Real-Time Candidate Pool Impact (April 14, 2025):
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 501–600 | 19,782 |
| 451–500 | 71,542 |
| 401–450 | 67,301 |
| 301–400 | 76,278 |
| 0–300 | 8,563 |
✅ What This Means for Express Entry Applicants
Shift in Competitive Advantage
With arranged employment no longer a CRS booster, candidates now need to rely more heavily on:
-
Language proficiency (IELTS/CELPIP scores)
-
Educational credentials
-
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
-
Work experience within in-demand occupations
Use Case:
An IT professional with 480 CRS and no job offer used to be at a disadvantage. Post-change, their score may now place them ahead of many, improving chances of an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in targeted draws.
Do You Qualify for the 2025 Express Entry STEM Category?
Canada’s STEM category-based draws have also undergone updates. While some occupations were removed, others were added to align better with Canada’s tech and infrastructure needs.
2025 Eligible STEM Occupations Include:
-
Cybersecurity Specialists (21220)
-
Civil Engineering Technologists (22300)
-
Mechanical Engineers (21301)
-
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (21310)
-
Insurance Agents and Brokers (63100) — Yes, surprisingly included!
➡️ Tip: Check your eligibility using Canada’s NOC (National Occupation Classification) system.
How to Check If You Qualify
Step-by-Step Guide:
-
Search your job title on Canada’s NOC site: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/noc
-
Match your duties to the official NOC description.
-
Verify that your work experience (at least 6 months, full-time, in the past 3 years) aligns with an eligible occupation.
-
Confirm the NOC code is part of the current STEM list.
Real-World Example:
Priya, a cybersecurity analyst in India with 2 years of experience and a CELPIP score of CLB 9, was stuck with a CRS score of 476. After arranged employment points were removed and she confirmed her NOC (21220) matched the new STEM list, she received an ITA in the category-specific draw with a cutoff of 491—well below general draw thresholds.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Category-based draws, like those for STEM or healthcare, typically have lower CRS cut-offs than general draws.
CRS Cut-Off Examples from 2024:
| Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| General Draws | 524–549 |
| CEC Draws | 507–547 |
| STEM Draw (2024) | 491 |
If you're in an in-demand occupation but struggling to reach a high CRS score, category-based draws might be your best path to PR.
✈️ Final Thoughts
The removal of arranged employment points has reshaped Canada’s immigration landscape. For skilled professionals, especially in the STEM fields, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.
✅ Actionable Next Steps:
-
Recalculate your CRS score without arranged employment points.
-
Explore PNP and STEM-based Express Entry options.
-
Stay updated with IRCC policy changes.
Need Help Navigating Your PR Path?
As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), I can help you:
-
Assess your eligibility for Express Entry or PNP
-
Improve your CRS profile
-
Navigate STEM category-based draws
Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward Canadian permanent residency!