Canada Eliminates Job Offer Points from Express Entry CRS

Previously, Express Entry candidates with a valid job offer, often supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), could receive an extra 50 or 200 CRS points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR). The removal of these bonus points will directly impact the CRS scores of numerous candidates currently in the Express Entry pool.

The IRCC's move will not affect those who have already received ITAs or have PR applications in progress. However, it will substantially reshape the competitive landscape for future applicants.

Impact on Express Entry Candidates

The immediate consequence of this change is a reduction in CRS scores for candidates who previously benefitted from the job offer bonus. This translates to a decreased likelihood of receiving an ITA for those holding valid job offers. Conversely, candidates without job offers may see their chances of receiving an ITA improve, as the overall CRS score distribution within the pool shifts.

Temporary Measure, Long-Term Implications

While IRCC, in a December 23, 2024 press release, described the removal of these points as a temporary measure, no definitive timeline for its reinstatement has been provided. This uncertainty leaves many potential immigrants in a state of flux.

Despite the removal of the CRS points, the March 25, 2025 Ministerial Instructions retain the sections detailing the criteria for a qualifying offer of arranged employment. This suggests that while job offers no longer directly contribute to CRS scores, they may still play a role in other aspects of the immigration process.

Changes Affecting Physicians

The updated instructions also eliminate a section that broadened the definition of qualifying arranged employment for physicians. Previously, physicians with job offers of less than one year from specific government or healthcare organizations were eligible. This change narrows the scope of qualifying offers for this profession.

Understanding the CRS System

The CRS is a points-based system that ranks Express Entry candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience, with a maximum score of 1200. Additional points can be earned for French language skills, Canadian education, having a sibling in Canada, and provincial nominations.

The removal of job offer points aims to level the playing field, making the system more equitable for candidates without pre-arranged employment.

Combating Fraud and Strengthening Integrity

Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who initially announced the proposed change in December 2024, cited the need to eliminate incentives for candidates to “purchase an LMIA,” a fraudulent practice. The government has emphasized that this measure is intended to combat fraud and strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.

This policy shift is part of a broader effort by the federal government to address immigration fraud. Earlier this year, IRCC proposed new regulations to combat unethical practices, including the establishment of a compensation fund for victims of fraudulent immigration consultants.

IRCC has acknowledged that it may take several days for the system to accurately reflect the adjusted CRS scores and has advised candidates to refrain from contacting them unless their scores remain incorrect after a week.

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To confirm latest immigration update and apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada this year, you may contact Visas Avenue Canada migration expert at Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar