In a major policy shift, the Canadian government has removed the bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points awarded for arranged employment under the Express Entry system. As of March 25, 2025, candidates will no longer receive 50 or 200 extra CRS points for having a valid job offer, including those supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The change, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is intended to create a more balanced immigration system by giving candidates without job offers a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency (PR).
Express Entry System Explained
The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary pathway for managing skilled worker immigration applications. It covers three main programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Candidates are ranked using CRS scores, which consider factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. Until now, job offers significantly boosted candidates' scores, giving them an advantage in receiving ITAs.
No More Bonus Points for Arranged Employment
Under the previous rules, candidates could earn either:
- 50 extra CRS points for most skilled jobs.
- 200 extra points for senior-level or management positions.
However, this advantage is now gone. While a valid job offer is still relevant for eligibility in some programs, it no longer increases CRS scores.
Impact on Express Entry Candidates
The removal of job offer points will affect candidates differently:
- Candidates with job offers: Their CRS scores will drop by 50 or 200 points, making it harder for them to receive an ITA.
- Candidates without job offers: Their scores remain the same, but their chances of selection improve, as many candidates with job offers will now have lower scores.
Exception for Physicians Removed
The policy change also affects physicians, who previously benefited from an exception under section 29(4) of the Ministerial Instructions. Until now, doctors with job offers lasting less than one year (from government or healthcare agencies) could still qualify for arranged employment points. This exception has been removed, making it harder for some healthcare professionals to gain a points advantage.
Government’s Rationale and Next Steps
In a press release issued on December 23, 2024, IRCC stated that the removal of job offer points is a temporary measure, though no end date has been provided. The government argues that the change will help create a fairer selection process, reducing the advantage held by candidates with arranged employment.
IRCC has advised candidates that it may take a few days for their CRS scores to reflect the new rules. If scores remain incorrect for more than a week, candidates are encouraged to contact IRCC.
What Should Candidates Do?
Candidates should recalculate their CRS scores and consider alternative pathways, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which still award points for job offers.
While arranged employment no longer boosts CRS scores, it remains relevant for eligibility in programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and some PNP streams.
