Canada has introduced an update to its Express Entry immigration system by removing points for prearranged job offers. Effective March 25, 2025, this shift eliminates a key factor that once gave applicants a significant boost in their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
What are the changes, its implications for various applicant categories, and strategies to adapt in this new landscape.
Why This Change Matters- Reducing influence of manipulated or fraudulent Job Offers
The removal of points for prearranged job offers marks a major shift in Canada’s Express Entry system. Previously, a job offer could add up to 200 points to an applicant’s CRS score, significantly influencing their ranking and chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. By scrapping these points, Canada aims to create a more equitable, merit-based system, reducing the influence of job offers that were sometimes manipulated or fraudulent. This change emphasizes skills, education, and experience over employment arrangements enabling applicants to compete in the Express Entry pool.
When This Change Takes Effect
This policy took effect on March 25, 2025, impacting all candidates in the Express Entry pool—both new applicants and those already awaiting selection. If you received an ITA or submitted a permanent residency application before this date, your job offer points remain valid. However, for everyone else, this change is now in full force.
Rationale Behind the Implementation
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced this change to combat fraud and enhance system integrity. Some applicants were found to purchase Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) or secure fake job offers to inflate their scores. By eliminating job offer points, Canada seeks to prioritize genuine talent and reduce exploitation of skilled immigrants.
Understanding the Change- How Points for Prearranged Job Offers Worked Before
Before March 25, 2025, Express Entry candidates with a valid job offer from a Canadian employer could earn 50 to 200 additional CRS points, depending on the job’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) level and location. For example:
- NOC 0, A, or B jobs: Up to 200 points for senior managerial roles or high-demand positions.
- Other eligible jobs: 50 points for roles in skilled trades or intermediate levels.
These points often tipped the scales, helping candidates surpass CRS cut-off scores in Express Entry draws.
What Has Changed Now
As of March 25, 2025, job offer points are no longer awarded in the Express Entry system. Even LMIA-supported job offers, which previously carried significant weight, now contribute zero points to your CRS score. This applies universally, whether you’re applying from abroad or already working in Canada on a temporary permit.
Have Other Express Entry Criteria Been Adjusted?
No other major criteria have been altered at this time. The CRS still evaluates candidates based on:
- Age
- Education
- Language proficiency (English and/or French)
- Work experience
- Adaptability (e.g., Canadian education or family ties)
Notably, a provincial nomination continues to provide a hefty 600-point boost, making it a critical pathway in the absence of job offer points.
Impact on Different Categories of Applicants -How Losing Job Offer Points Affects Candidates
Skilled Workers (FSW & CEC)
For Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants, this change can be a major hurdle. Many relied on job offer points to push their CRS scores above the cut-off, securing an ITA. Without this boost, candidates must now enhance other areas—higher education, better language test scores, or additional work experience—to remain competitive.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates- Does This Make PNP Pathways More Attractive?
Yes, absolutely. With job offer points gone, the 600 CRS points from a provincial nomination become even more valuable. PNP pathways, offered by provinces and territories to meet local labor needs, may see a surge in applications as candidates seek alternatives to boost their scores. This shift could make PNPs a go-to strategy for many.
Applicants in Canada vs. Abroad- Do Those Already in Canada Have an Advantage?
Applicants already in Canada—such as temporary workers or students—may hold a slight edge. While they no longer earn points for job offers, they can accumulate Canadian work experience, a factor still valued in the CRS. Proximity also aids networking and exploring PNP options, potentially giving them a leg up over overseas applicants.
International Students & PGWP Holders- How This Affects Graduates Transitioning to PR
International students and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders face new challenges. Many used job offers to bridge the gap to permanent residency via Express Entry. Without these points, they’ll need to focus on advanced degrees, top-tier language scores, or provincial nominations to strengthen their profiles.
Employers & LMIA-Supported Workers- Will Employers Need to Change Their Hiring Approach?
Employers who relied on Express Entry to recruit foreign talent may need to adapt. Without CRS points tied to job offers, candidates might hesitate to pursue Canadian employment unless other incentives—like competitive salaries, benefits, or career growth—are offered. The role of LMIAs may also shift, as their value in Express Entry diminishes.
Does This Affect Any Nationality Disproportionately?
On paper, the change is nationality-neutral. However, applicants from countries with strong Canadian networks or easier access to PNPs (e.g., those already in Canada) might adapt more readily. The impact hinges less on nationality and more on individual circumstances and resources.
Impact on Employer-Sponsored Immigration from India, the Philippines, or China
- Indian IT professionals may need to focus more on PNPs or improving language scores.
- Healthcare workers from the Philippines who previously relied on job offers may now need to gain Canadian work experience first.
- Chinese applicants who traditionally benefited from job offer points may now need to explore education and work experience in Canada.
Applicants in Canada vs. Abroad: Who Has the Advantage?
Candidates already in Canada with Canadian work experience and education may have an advantage. Canadian work experience particularly will be highly valued.
Alternative Ways to Boost CRS Score- Education and Language Proficiency Improvements
- Higher Education: Earning a master’s or PhD can add substantial points.
- Language Skills: Improving IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF scores—even by one level—can make a big difference. Bilingualism in English and French offers extra points.
Maximizing Provincial Nomination Opportunities
- PNP Applications: Target provinces with streams matching your skills (e.g., Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities or Alberta’s Opportunity Stream).
- Research: Align your profile with in-demand occupations for a nomination boost of 600 points.
Gaining Canadian Work Experience
- Temporary Visas: Programs like International Experience Canada (IEC) or employer-specific work permits can help you gain CRS-valued Canadian experience.
- PGWP: International graduates should maximize their PGWP tenure in skilled roles.
What This Change Means for Future Express Entry Draws
Will the CRS Cut-Off Score Rise or Fall?
The removal of job offer points could initially lower CRS cut-offs, as many candidates lose a chunk of their scores. Over time, however, cut-offs might stabilize or rise as applicants bolster other areas like education or nominations, intensifying competition.
Will Candidates with No Job Offer but Strong Credentials Benefit?
Yes, this levels the playing field. Applicants with robust education, language proficiency, and work experience—but no job offer—may now rank higher, as the system prioritizes these core strengths over employment arrangements.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Change Overview: Job offer points were removed from Express Entry on March 25, 2025, to curb fraud and focus on merit. Now applicants need to Boost their CRS with advanced degrees, language improvements, or provincial nominations. In Future Draws Cut-offs may shift, favoring well-rounded profiles over job offer recipients.
Prospective Applicants should Invest in education, language skills, or Canadian experience, Research provincial programs for a 600-point advantage.