No more additional points per job offer arranged in Express Entry.

On March 25, 2025, the Government of Canada made significant changes to the Express Entry system that affect permanent residency candidates, who no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for valid job offers, including those supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). What does the elimination of these points mean for permanent residency candidates?

‍

This is today's topic on our Immiland Canada blog. Read with me to the end and learn about the changes to the Express Entry point system and the reasons for the change. let's get started!

‍

‍

How does the change impact the CRS scores of candidates with Express Entry arranged job offers?

‍

The elimination of additional points for an arranged job offer means that applicants will see a reduction in their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. The impact is directly on the 50 or 200 additional points previously awarded for this job offer, which decreases their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. 

‍

This change could make a significant difference in Express Entry sweepstakes, as these are characterized as highly competitive through the accumulation of CRS points.

‍

‍

Why did Canada eliminate bonus points for concerted job offers?

‍

This elimination was announced in December 2024 by the then Minister of Immigration, Marc Miller, in order to address the fraud related to the "purchase of an LMIA", this document is a requirement for many work permits and works to demonstrate that a foreign worker is needed to fill a particular job position, as there is no Canadian worker or permanent resident available. Purchasing an LMIA is an illegal practice in Canada. 

‍

The federal government stated that the change is a measure that will strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, reducing fraud and protecting applicants who have obtained their documentations in a legal and transparent manner. As part of its efforts, IRCC also proposed additional regulations, including the creation of a fund to compensate victims of unethical immigration consultants.

‍

‍

What is the Comprehensive Classification System (CRS) and how does it work?

‍

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a set of points used by Canada to evaluate and rank candidates applying for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. 

‍

The Comprehensive Ranking System evaluates Express Entry candidates using a point system based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience.

‍

Additional points can be earned for French language proficiency, post-secondary education in Canada, having family members in Canada (permanent residents or citizens), having provincial or territorial nominations and, prior to this major change, having a valid job offer also added additional points.

‍

With a maximum score of 1200, top-ranked candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residency during periodic lotteries. 

‍

‍

Who is affected by the CRS score changes? 

‍

This adjustment impacts current applicants in the Express Entry pool who were relying on these additional points to improve their scores in the Comprehensive Ranking System. However, it does not affect those who have already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or those whose application for permanent residence is in process.

‍

On the other hand, this change also adjusts the arranged employment criteria for physicians who previously could benefit from a section (29 [4]) that allowed physician job offers with a duration of less than one year to be accepted, as long as they came from a provincial government, a government entity, a government-designated agency, or a publicly funded health care organization. This flexibility was eliminated along with points for arranged employment.

.

Expand official information in Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate the Issuance of Permanent Resident Visas for Physicians Providing Publicly Funded Medical Services in Canada - Canada.ca 

‍

‍

What will happen to valid job offers? 

‍

Although additional points will no longer be awarded for concerted bids, they are still relevant to meeting the eligibility criteria for programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program and some streams of the Provincial Nominee Program.

‍

‍

What should candidates know about their new scores? 

‍

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has advised that it may take a few days for the new scores to be correctly reflected in the candidates' profile. If after one week the scores are still incorrect, it is suggested that candidates contact the authorities.

‍

‍

Recommendations to improve CRS score in Express Entry

‍

In view of the changes due to the elimination of the 50 or 200 additional points per job offer, it is advisable to emphasize other factors that add points, such as language, age, education, etc. To do this, follow these steps:

‍

1. Improve your English language skills with good preparation to score higher on the IELTS, CELPIP tests. Higher levels in listening, writing, reading and speaking can make a big difference. 
2. If you speak French, take the TEF or TEC tests, as they may award additional points. Remember that Canada highly values bilingualism.
3. Increase your educational level and complete an additional degree, diploma or certificate.
4. Consider study programs in Canada, as post-secondary education completed in Canada awards additional points.
5. Be sure to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for your studies outside of Canada.
6. Accumulate Canadian or international work experience in skilled occupations.
7. Make sure your experience is well documented and in an occupation recognized by the NOC (National Occupational Classification) system.
8. Look for provincial nominations, as these can provide you with up to 600 additional points in the CRS system.

‍

If you would like guidance on how to improve your CRS score and build a good immigration profile, contact our team of CICC regulated consultants for a free evaluation or schedule an appointment near you here.

‍

I hope this topic will be of great help. Thank you very much for reading, see you soon!

‍

With love,

‍

Immiland Canada