Canada Removes Bonus CRS Points for Arranged Employment from Express Entry.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Key Changes in Express Entry System
How Will This Change Affect Express Entry Candidates?
Impact on Candidates with Job Offers
Changes for Physicians
Understanding Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Reasons Behind the CRS Change
How Wave Visas Immigration Can Help?
Conclusion
Introduction
Canada has announced a significant change in its Express Entry system. As of March 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will no longer provide bonus CRS points for candidates with a valid job offer, including those backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This policy shift is expected to impact thousands of applicants seeking permanent residency in Canada.
Key Changes in Express Entry System
Candidates will no longer receive an extra 50 or 200 CRS points for arranged employment.
The change is effective from March 25, 2025.
This affects all candidates in the Express Entry pool who previously had extra points for job offers.
PR applications already in progress will not be affected.
IRCC stated that this removal is a temporary measure but did not specify when it would end.
How Will This Change Affect Express Entry Candidates?
With this change, candidates with valid job offers will see their CRS scores decrease, potentially reducing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. However, those without job offers may benefit as the overall cutoff scores could decrease.
Example Scenario
Let’s consider two candidates:
Andrew: Had a CRS score of 540, including 50 extra points for his job offer.
Anita: Had a CRS score of 500, with no job offer.
After the new rule takes effect, Andrew loses his 50 additional points, reducing his CRS score to 490. If the next CEC draw cutoff is 495, Anita will receive an ITA while Andrew will not.
Impact on Candidates with Job Offers
Previously, having a valid job offer significantly improved Express Entry candidates' chances of securing PR. With the removal of extra CRS points:
Job offers still play a role in Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and some streams of Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
The change may reduce fraud and “job offer purchasing” schemes.
Changes for Physicians
Physicians' job offers will no longer qualify for arranged employment CRS points unless they meet the new eligibility criteria.
Before, doctors could apply with job offers lasting less than one year from government-related healthcare organizations. This provision has been removed.
Understanding Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The CRS system ranks Express Entry candidates based on multiple factors such as:
Age
Education
Language proficiency (English & French)
Work experience
Candidates can still earn additional CRS points for:
French language skills
Having a sibling in Canada (who is a PR or citizen)
A provincial nomination
Reasons Behind the CRS Change
Canada’s Immigration Minister first announced this change on December 17, 2024, aiming to:
Prevent fraud linked to fake or purchased LMIAs.
Ensure a fairer selection process for all candidates.
Strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Canada has been actively cracking down on immigration fraud, proposing new regulations such as:
A compensation fund for victims of fraudulent immigration consultants.
Stricter measures to monitor job offers and LMIAs.
How Wave Visas Immigration Can Help?
At Wave Visas Immigration, we provide expert guidance on Canada Express Entry, PR applications, and job search strategies. Our team ensures that you:
Maximize your CRS score despite these changes.
Explore alternative pathways like PNPs and Study Visa options.
Get professional immigration consultation for a successful Canada PR journey.
Conclusion
The removal of CRS points for arranged employment is a major shift in Canada’s Express Entry system. While it may make it harder for some candidates with job offers, it also levels the playing field for other applicants. To navigate these changes effectively, working with trusted immigration consultants like Wave Visas Immigration can help you maximize your chances of securing permanent residency in Canada.
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