In a significant update to the Express Entry system, Canada has removed the additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points previously awarded for arranged employment, including job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This change, effective March 25, 2025, impacts candidates in the Express Entry pool who relied on these points to boost their scores.
What Changed in Express Entry?
Previously, candidates with a valid job offer could receive 50 or 200 extra CRS points, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR). However, the latest Ministerial Instructions have eliminated this advantage and removed CRS points for LMIA and job offers. Now, there are no points for LMIA in Express Entry anymore.
Key Details of the Update:
- No more CRS points for job offers (even LMIA-supported ones).
- Temporary measure (IRCC announced this change on December 23, 2024, but did not specify an end date).
- Existing ITAs and PR applications are unaffected—only new and pending Express Entry profiles are impacted.
- CRS recalculations may take a few days (IRCC advises waiting a week before contacting them if scores don’t update).
How Does This Affect Express Entry Candidates?
Candidates with valid job offers will see their CRS scores drop by 50 or 200 points, reducing their chances of receiving an ITA. Meanwhile, candidates without job offers may now have a better chance, as the overall CRS cutoff scores could decrease.
Example Scenario:
Before the change:
- Andrew: 540 CRS (including 50 points for a job offer).
- Anita: 500 CRS (no job offer).
After the change:
- Andrew: 490 CRS (lost 50 points).
- Anita: 500 CRS (no change).
If the next CEC draw has a cutoff of 495, Anita would receive an ITA, while Andrew would not.
Additional Change: Physicians’ Job Offers
The updated rules also removed a special provision for physicians. Previously, doctors with job offers from provincial governments or healthcare organizations could qualify even if the offer was for less than one year. This exemption no longer applies.
Why Did Canada Remove These CRS Points?
Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this change in December 2024, citing concerns over fraudulent LMIA purchases. The government aims to:
- Reduce immigration fraud.
- Strengthen system integrity.
- Align Express Entry with labor market needs.
This follows recent anti-fraud measures, including a proposed compensation fund for victims of unethical immigration consultants.
What’s Next for Express Entry Candidates?
While job offers no longer provide CRS points, they may still be required for:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) eligibility.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
- Some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.
Candidates should reassess their CRS scores and explore other ways to boost points, such as:
- Improving language test scores (English/French).
- Gaining Canadian work experience.
- Securing a provincial nomination (PNP adds 600 points).
Final Thoughts
This update levels the playing field for Express Entry candidates without job offers but may disadvantage those who relied on arranged employment for extra points. After removal of CRS points for LMIA and job offers, staying informed and optimizing other CRS factors will be crucial for success.
For the latest Express Entry updates, check the our Immigration News page regularly.
