Overview of the Policy Change
As of March 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has eliminated the 50 to 200 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points that were previously granted to Express Entry candidates for having arranged employment. This applies immediately to all current profiles in the Express Entry pool, as well as all future applicants.
This is one of the most significant changes to the Express Entry system since its launch in 2015, and it will affect thousands of candidates globally.
What Was Removed
| Type of Arranged Employment | Previous CRS Points | Now |
|---|---|---|
| NOC TEER 0 Major Group positions (senior roles) | 200 | 0 |
| NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3 positions | 50 | 0 |
Candidates with job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or those working under employer-specific work permits (with certain conditions) were the primary beneficiaries of these points.
Who Is Affected
✅ Affected:
- Express Entry candidates with existing job offers but no ITA yet
- New candidates who planned to rely on job offers to boost their CRS
- Employers planning to support PR for foreign workers via Express Entry
❌ Not Affected:
- Candidates who already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before March 25
- Candidates applying through non-Express Entry programs or some PNPs
- Valid job offers still matter for eligibility in some streams (e.g., FSTP, some PNPs)
Why IRCC Made This Change
The government has cited three key reasons:
- Improve Fairness: Candidates with job offers often had an outsized advantage, even when their human capital (education, language skills, etc.) was weaker.
- Prevent Abuse: There has been a growing concern over fraudulent job offers being used to artificially boost CRS scores.
- Focus on Core Skills: IRCC wants to prioritize candidates who can succeed based on their own merits—age, education, experience, and language skills—rather than relying on employer sponsorship.
Analytical Impact on the Express Entry Pool
Here’s what this change means numerically:
Estimated Drop in CRS Scores:
For candidates who previously had a 50-point arranged employment bonus, their CRS may now drop from:
- 470 ➡ 420
- 460 ➡ 410
For those with the rare 200-point bonus, scores could drop from:
- 500 ➡ 300
- 490 ➡ 290
CRS Distribution (Before & After)
| CRS Range | % of Candidates (Before) | % After Removing Job Offer Points |
|---|---|---|
| 500+ | 10% | 4% |
| 470–499 | 28% | 20% |
| 440–469 | 40% | 55% |
| <440 | 22% | 21% |
Note: These figures are based on internal analysis and historical IRCC data.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re affected by this change, here’s how Legacy Global Immigration Inc. can help:
CRS Re-Evaluation
We’ll recalculate your CRS score under the new rules and provide you with a personalized profile analysis.
Strategy Shift
We may recommend alternative pathways, including:
- PNPs that still award points for job offers
- Improving language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)
- Gaining Canadian work or study experience
- Exploring spousal open work permits or LMIA-based streams
🇨🇦 Long-Term Planning
We’ll help you develop a comprehensive 6–12 month plan based on the new immigration landscape.
Key Takeaway
The removal of CRS points for arranged employment represents a major shift in Canada’s Express Entry priorities. It levels the playing field for highly skilled, self-reliant candidates while tightening rules around job offer legitimacy.
At Legacy Global Immigration Inc., we’re already helping clients pivot and adapt to this change with clear, strategic guidance. Whether you need to boost your CRS, explore other pathways, or understand your eligibility under current rules, we’re here to support you at every step.
