Canada removes bonus CRS points for express entry job offers

DDM News

Ottawa, Canada – In a significant policy shift, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that, effective March 25, 2025, Express Entry candidates will no longer receive bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a valid job offer.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that this change affects both current candidates in the Express Entry pool and future applicants, potentially altering the landscape for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada.

The Express Entry system, introduced in 2015, is Canada’s primary pathway for skilled immigration.

It manages applications for three major economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Candidates in the Express Entry pool receive a CRS score based on various factors, including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and job offers.

Those with the highest scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through periodic draws conducted by IRCC.

Previously, a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) could provide significant bonus points:

• 200 additional points for senior management positions.
• 50 additional points for other skilled job offers.

These bonus points often made the difference in whether a candidate received an ITA.

However, as of March 25, 2025, these extra points have been removed.

Details of the Policy Change

According to IRCC, this change applies to both current and future Express Entry candidates.

Ministerial Instructions updated on March 25, 2025, still recognize the definition of a valid job offer but no longer grant additional CRS points for one.

Candidates who were relying on these extra points will immediately see an impact on their CRS scores.

However, those who have already received an ITA or submitted their PR applications will not be affected—their job offer points remain intact.

What Stays the Same?

While bonus points for job offers are gone, job offers still play a critical role in several immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): A valid job offer remains a requirement for eligibility.
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): A job offer can still help candidates meet minimum eligibility criteria.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some PNPs continue to require or benefit from job offers.

However, job offers will no longer provide a direct CRS score boost, which was previously a key advantage.

Reasons Behind the Change

IRCC has not provided a clear explanation for the removal of job offer points but has described the decision as a “temporary measure” in a press release issued on December 23, 2024.

It has not specified whether or when the bonus points might be reinstated.

Several possible reasons have been suggested:

• Ensuring fairness: By removing job offer points, IRCC may be prioritizing candidates based on education, language skills, and work experience rather than employer connections.
• Preventing potential fraud: There have been concerns about fraudulent job offers and LMIA misuse.
• Though IRCC has not explicitly linked the change to fraud prevention, the issue has been raised in the past.
• Responding to labor market changes: Canada’s labor market is evolving, and demand for skilled workers fluctuates across industries.
• The government may be adjusting its immigration policies accordingly.

Impact on Express Entry Candidates

For many candidates, this policy shift represents a major hurdle.

Those who depended on job offer points may now find themselves with lower CRS scores, reducing their chances of receiving an ITA.

IRCC has advised candidates to allow several days for their CRS scores to update automatically.

If discrepancies persist beyond a week, applicants can contact IRCC for clarification.

For future Express Entry hopefuls, the competition will be tougher.

Without the extra points from job offers, candidates must focus on maximizing other aspects of their profile.

What Candidates Can Do Now

To remain competitive under the new system, candidates can take several steps to improve their CRS scores:

• Enhance language proficiency: Higher IELTS or CELPIP scores can significantly boost CRS points.
• Pursue further education: Additional degrees or certifications can increase educational scores.
• Gain Canadian work experience: Those already in Canada on temporary permits can work towards accumulating local experience, which can add up to 200 points.
• Consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): A provincial nomination provides 600 additional CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
• Leverage a spouse’s qualifications: If applicable, a spouse’s language skills, education, and work experience can contribute up to 40 extra points.

Looking Ahead

The removal of job offer points marks a significant shift in Canada’s Express Entry system.

While the long-term effects remain uncertain, one thing is clear—candidates must now rely on other factors to remain competitive.

As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, prospective applicants should stay updated on any further changes that may affect their chances of obtaining permanent residency.

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