Major Changes to Express Entry: Job Offer Points Removed & 7,500 Candidates Invited in Latest Draw

Canada Eliminates CRS Bonus Points for Arranged Employment

In a significant update, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially removed the additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment in the Express Entry system. This change, effective March 25, 2025, means that candidates will no longer receive 50 to 200 extra CRS points for having a valid job offer, even if it is backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

How This Impacts Express Entry Candidates

Previously, arranged employment provided a major advantage to applicants, often making the difference in receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. With this policy shift:

• Candidates with valid job offers will see their CRS scores decrease by 50 or 200 points, reducing their chances of receiving an ITA.

• Individuals without job offers will now have a relatively better chance of being selected.

• Express Entry draws are expected to become more competitive, with a greater focus on human capital factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.

Example Scenario

Consider two candidates, Andrew and Anita, both eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

• Andrew had a CRS score of 540, including 50 points for a job offer.

• Anita had a CRS score of 500.

Following this change, Andrew’s CRS score drops to 490, while Anita remains at 500. If an upcoming draw has a cut-off score of 495, Anita will receive an ITA, but Andrew will not.

Why Did Canada Remove Job Offer CRS Points?

According to former Immigration Minister Marc Miller, the primary reason for this policy change is to eliminate the misuse of LMIAs and arranged employment offers. The government aims to:

• Reduce fraudulent job offers used to artificially boost CRS scores.

• Strengthen the integrity of the immigration system.

• Shift focus toward attracting skilled workers based on merit rather than purchased job offers.

This change aligns with Canada’s ongoing crackdown on immigration fraud and regulatory improvements to protect applicants.

IRCC Issues 7,500 ITAs in Latest Express Entry Draw

In the second Express Entry draw of the week, IRCC issued 7,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with strong French-language proficiency. The minimum CRS score required for this draw was 379, making it one of the lowest cut-off scores since February 2024.

Breakdown of Recent Express Entry Draws (2025)

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates

• French speakers have an advantage: Express Entry continues to prioritize bilingual applicants, offering increased opportunities for Francophone immigration.

• Lower CRS thresholds in targeted draws: Category-based draws often feature lower CRS cut-offs, benefiting candidates who meet specific eligibility criteria.

• More frequent draws expected: IRCC’s strategy suggests a growing focus on in-Canada candidates, with a preference for skilled workers who can integrate quickly into the workforce.

Real-World Implications & Use Cases

1. Tech Industry Applicants

Candidates in high-demand fields like software development, data science, and cybersecurity will need to focus more on improving their CRS scores through education, work experience, and language proficiency rather than relying on job offers.

2. Healthcare Professionals

The removal of job offer points may impact foreign-trained doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers, especially those who depended on arranged employment for a CRS boost. However, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) may offer alternative pathways.

3. French-Speaking Applicants

This policy shift highlights Canada’s preference for bilingual immigrants. If you are proficient in French, you may have a significant advantage in upcoming draws, as demonstrated by the latest 7,500 ITA issuance.

What Should Express Entry Candidates Do Now?

1. Recalculate Your CRS Score – Understand how this change impacts your current standing.

2. Improve Language Scores – Higher IELTS or TEF scores can help compensate for lost job offer points.

3. Consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Many provinces still prioritize job offers in their immigration streams.

4. Enhance Education Credentials – Obtaining additional certifications or degrees can boost CRS points.

5. Stay Updated – Follow IRCC updates and adapt your immigration strategy accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The removal of CRS points for arranged employment marks a major shift in Canada’s Express Entry system, making immigration more merit-based. While it poses challenges for those who relied on job offers, it creates new opportunities for candidates with strong human capital factors, particularly French-speaking applicants.

If you're preparing your Express Entry profile, now is the time to focus on maximizing your CRS score through strategic improvements. Stay informed and adapt to these evolving policies to enhance your chances of securing Canadian permanent residence.

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