IRCC Eliminates Extra CRS points for Job Offers in Express Entry

Canada has made a significant change to its Express Entry immigration system by removing additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for valid job offers, including those supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

language On March 25, 2025, this marks a major shift in how candidates are ranked and invited to apply for permanent residence.

Key Changes

• CRS Points Removal: Candidates will no longer receive the 50 or 200 bonus CRS points previously received for arranged employment. This applies to all job offers, including senior management roles and other skilled positions.
• Temporary Measure: IRCC says it's a temporary measure and has not provided a timeline for its conclusion.
• Exemptions: Candidates who have already received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) or have ongoing PR applications are unaffected.

Why was this Change Made?

IRCC removed job offer points from the Express Entry system to address misuse and ensure fairness. Some candidates fraudulently bought or sold Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to boost their CRS scores. By eliminating these points, the government aims to reduce fraud. The initiative emphasizes that IRCC will prioritize candidates based on their skills, qualifications, and genuine eligibility, rather than arranged employment.

What are the Immediate Impacts on Candidates?

For Candidates With Job Offers

• CRS scores will drop by the amount previously awarded (50 or 200 points).
• Reduced likelihood of receiving an ITA in future Express Entry draws.

For Candidates Without Job Offers:

• Relative chances of receiving an ITA increase as their scores remain unaffected while others decrease.

About Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Introduced in 2015, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based method for ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool.

Candidates will obtain CRS scores based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.

Candidates are scored out of 1,200 points, with higher scores increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

The CRS ranks candidates based on their potential to contribute to Canada's economy.

The candidates must apply under any three main immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

How CRS Works

• After creating an Express Entry profile, the CRS score is automatically calculated based on the information provided by the candidate.
• The government conducts draws and sets a minimum CRS cut-off score. Only candidates with scores above this threshold receive ITAs.
• Profiles are ranked against others in the Express Entry pool.
• IRCC conducts regular draws, usually every two weeks, where top-ranking candidates receive ITAs for permanent residence.

How to Stay Competitive in the Express Entry Pool?

Some of the strategies for candidates include:

• Candidates can improve their scores by enhancing their language proficiency or French language skills
• Gain work experience
• Obtain higher education credentials
• Secure a provincial nomination.
• They can earn more points if the candidate has a sibling in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

As an aspiring candidate, you must understand and improve your CRS scores, which are crucial for success in Canada's competitive immigration process.

While job offers remain relevant for eligibility in programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Provincial Nominee Program streams, their role in CRS scoring has now been eliminated.

Removing these points creates a more level playing field, benefiting candidates without job offers by increasing their relative competitiveness.

These changes ensure a fairer ranking system, prioritizing candidates based on their qualifications and skills. They align with broader measures to protect the integrity of Canada's immigration system and prevent the exploitation of newcomers.

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