Express Entry Shake-Up 2025: Canada Removes CRS Points for Job Offers

Canada CRS Points Job Offer Removal: What It Means for Express Entry Applicants

In a move that’s already sending ripples through Canada’s immigration community, the federal government has officially removed Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) bonus points for valid job offers under Express Entry. This change came into effect March 25, 2025, and applies to all new and existing profiles in the Express Entry pool.

If you're an Express Entry candidate who previously depended on 50 or 200 extra CRS points from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-supported job offer, this change could significantly alter your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). But if you never had a job offer, you may find yourself unexpectedly benefiting from this update.

Let’s break down what’s changed, why it happened, and what you need to do now.

What Changed in Canada’s Express Entry CRS System in 2025?

As of March 25, 2025, candidates will no longer receive extra CRS points for arranged employment—even if they have a valid job offer supported by an LMIA or one falling under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) senior management category.

Previously:

• 50 points were awarded for most valid job offers.

• 200 points were awarded for job offers in senior-level NOC 00 positions.
  

Now:

• These points are gone.

• Job offers still matter for program eligibility—but no longer boost CRS scores.

According to IRCC, this change was made through updated Ministerial Instructions and has no defined end date.

Why Did Canada Remove CRS Points for Job Offers?

This is not a random decision. The change is part of a broader strategy to combat immigration fraud, particularly the illegal purchase of LMIAs, which has grown as demand for PR in Canada increases.

On December 17, 2024, former Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the reform. The intent is clear:

• Remove incentives for candidates to pay for fraudulent job offers.

• Enhance fairness by ensuring all candidates compete on equal footing.

• Strengthen trust in Canada’s immigration process.

Who Does This Impact in Express Entry?

This change affects all current and future candidates in the Express Entry pool who:

• Had a valid job offer (with or without LMIA).

• Were previously receiving 50 or 200 extra CRS points for that job offer.

It does not affect:

• Candidates who already received ITAs.

• Candidates with PR applications currently being processed.

How This CRS Job Offer Change Impacts Your Score

Let’s look at two hypothetical candidates to see how this shift plays out:

Andrew

• Old score: 490 base + 50 job offer points = 540

• New score: 490

Anita

• Score (no job offer): 500

If the next draw requires a minimum of 495 CRS points, Anita will now receive an ITA while Andrew will not—even though he previously held the advantage.

This realignment puts more weight on other personal factors like education, language proficiency, and Canadian experience.

What About Physicians and Other Exceptions?

Alongside the general removal of job offer points, IRCC also eliminated Section 29(4) from the Ministerial Instructions. This section had previously allowed short-term employment offers for physicians to qualify as arranged employment—if made by public-sector or healthcare-related organizations.

That exception is now gone, too.

What Remains Unchanged in Express Entry Eligibility?

Despite the removal of bonus points, arranged employment still plays a role in eligibility criteria for several programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
  

Certain PNP streams still require a job offer for nomination and continue to offer 600 CRS points to nominated candidates. Therefore, don’t discount job offers entirely—they remain important depending on your immigration path.

How Does the CRS System Work in Express Entry?

CRS scores are calculated out of 1,200 points, based on:

• Age

• Education

• Language Proficiency (English and/or French)

• Work Experience

Additional points are awarded for:

• Post-secondary education in Canada

• Sibling in Canada

• French language skills

• PNP nomination (600 points)

With job offer points gone, optimizing other areas of your profile becomes even more crucial.

What Should Express Entry Candidates Do Now?

Here’s how to adapt quickly:

Action Step	Purpose
Recalculate your CRS score	Use CanadaVisa+ CRS calculator to see your new score.
Enhance language scores	Retake IELTS or CELPIP if needed. Higher scores can close the gap.
Target PNPs	Many PNPs still reward arranged employment or have category-based draws.
Gain more work experience	Both Canadian and foreign work experience boosts CRS.
Stay informed	Follow updates from IRCC and CIC News regularly.

Does This Make Express Entry More Competitive or More Fair?

Both.

It’s more competitive for those who relied heavily on job offers to climb the CRS ladder. But it’s more fair for the rest of the pool—candidates who built their profiles through genuine experience, language skills, and education now have a better shot.

Final Thoughts: Adapt and Stay Ahead

The removal of CRS points for arranged employment is a policy shift with wide-reaching implications. While it poses new challenges, it also levels the playing field for thousands of skilled workers worldwide who couldn’t secure job offers.

Canada remains committed to attracting high-caliber talent—but through pathways that emphasize merit and integrity, not manipulated job offers.

If you're planning to immigrate to Canada in 2025 or beyond, now’s the time to update your strategy and lean into what really matters in the Express Entry system.

FAQs

Does the removal of job offer points affect my existing PR application? No. If you've already received an ITA or submitted your PR application, you're not affected.

Do PNP job offers still provide points? Yes. PNP nominations still award 600 CRS points and are unaffected by this change.

Can I still include my job offer in my Express Entry profile? Yes. It's still relevant for eligibility under FSWP, FSTP, and some PNPs.

How do I improve my CRS score now? Improve language scores, gain work experience, pursue Canadian education, or apply through a PNP.

Is this change permanent? IRCC calls it a "temporary" measure, but there's no clear end date.

Why were the points removed? To reduce fraud—especially around purchased or fake LMIAs—and uphold the integrity of Canada's immigration system.