OIn a major policy shift, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has removed the additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points previously awarded for arranged employment under the Express Entry program, effective March 25, 2025.
This change means that Express Entry candidates will no longer receive 50 or 200 bonus CRS points for having a valid job offer, even if that offer is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
It’s akin to a race where some runners were given a head start just for having a sponsor; now, everyone lines up at the same starting point. The move, IRCC says, is designed to restore fairness and prevent misuse of the system.
What This Means for Applicants
Candidates who relied on job offers for a CRS boost will see their scores drop—sometimes significantly. For example:
- Andrew had 540 points (including 50 for his job offer);
- Anita had 500 points with no job offer.
Post-change, Andrew drops to 490 while Anita stays at 500. If the next draw cutoff is 495, Anita gets an invitation, and Andrew misses out.
IRCC notes that those who already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or have PR applications in process are not affected.
Policy Aimed at Preventing Fraud and Misuse
The federal government first signaled this change in December 2024, citing concerns over fraudulent practices such as candidates allegedly “buying” LMIAs, a violation of Canadian law. IRCC says removing the CRS bonus will help “strengthen the integrity” of Canada’s immigration system and reduce opportunities for abuse.
“By eliminating incentives to misuse job offers, we’re restoring the fairness and integrity of Express Entry,” said an IRCC spokesperson.
Physicians Also Affected
The update also removes an exception that allowed physicians to qualify with job offers of less than one year—previously accepted if issued by government agencies or healthcare providers. That policy is now repealed.
What Still Counts Toward CRS Points?
While job offers no longer grant bonus points, the CRS still considers:
- Age,
- Education,
- Language skills,
- Work experience,
- French proficiency,
- Canadian education,
- Having siblings in Canada,
- Provincial nominations (which still offer a 600-point boost).
IRCC reminds applicants that updated CRS scores may take a few days to reflect, and to only reach out if scores remain incorrect after a week.