In a major shift to Canada's immigration system, the government has officially removed job offer points from the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) as of March 25, 2025. This change impacts both current and future candidates applying for permanent residence under Express Entry, Canada's flagship system for managing skilled worker immigration.
Previously, Express Entry candidates could receive 50 to 200 additional CRS points for having a valid job offer. These points were a significant boost—especially for those with offers in senior management roles (Major Group 00), which carried the maximum 200 points. For most other high-skilled jobs, a valid job offer added 50 points to the candidate's profile.
Effective immediately, these points have been removed for all candidates, regardless of whether the job offer is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or is LMIA-exempt.
This change applies to:
Candidates with valid job offers will see their CRS scores drop once the system updates profiles—a process that may take a few days.
However, if you have already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence or have submitted your application, your case will not be affected by this policy change.
The Canadian government first announced this update in December 2024, citing a shift in focus toward selecting candidates based on core human capital factors like education, language ability, and Canadian work experience, rather than relying heavily on job offers. Officials indicated the changes would be implemented around the second quarter of 2025, and the March 25 update confirms the timeline.
For many candidates, especially those who relied on job offers to boost their CRS scores, this change may create new challenges. Without those 50–200 points, individuals may need to strengthen other aspects of their profile, such as:
This change may especially affect foreign workers who received job offers but lacked high scores in other CRS categories.
Pros:
Cons:
As the Express Entry landscape evolves, candidates should stay informed and consider alternative strategies to enhance their CRS profiles. Seeking guidance from an immigration professional may also be helpful during this period of transition.
What’s Changing?
Previously, Express Entry candidates could receive 50 to 200 additional CRS points for having a valid job offer. These points were a significant boost—especially for those with offers in senior management roles (Major Group 00), which carried the maximum 200 points. For most other high-skilled jobs, a valid job offer added 50 points to the candidate's profile.
Effective immediately, these points have been removed for all candidates, regardless of whether the job offer is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or is LMIA-exempt.
Who Is Affected?
This change applies to:
- All current Express Entry candidates whose profiles are still in the pool
- All future Express Entry candidates
- Candidates with job offers in any occupation or senior management group
Candidates with valid job offers will see their CRS scores drop once the system updates profiles—a process that may take a few days.
However, if you have already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence or have submitted your application, your case will not be affected by this policy change.
Why the Change?
The Canadian government first announced this update in December 2024, citing a shift in focus toward selecting candidates based on core human capital factors like education, language ability, and Canadian work experience, rather than relying heavily on job offers. Officials indicated the changes would be implemented around the second quarter of 2025, and the March 25 update confirms the timeline.
Potential Impact on Candidates
For many candidates, especially those who relied on job offers to boost their CRS scores, this change may create new challenges. Without those 50–200 points, individuals may need to strengthen other aspects of their profile, such as:
- Improving language test scores (English and/or French)
- Gaining more Canadian work experience
- Pursuing Canadian education
- Seeking a provincial nomination (which can still add 600 CRS points)
This change may especially affect foreign workers who received job offers but lacked high scores in other CRS categories.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Emphasizes long-term integration factors like education and language proficiency
- Levels the playing field for candidates without access to Canadian job offers
- Encourages use of Provincial Nominee Programs and other pathways
Cons:
- Removes a key advantage for candidates with valid job offers
- May lower CRS scores for many applicants, reducing their chances of selection
- Could make it harder for employers to attract global talent through permanent residence
As the Express Entry landscape evolves, candidates should stay informed and consider alternative strategies to enhance their CRS profiles. Seeking guidance from an immigration professional may also be helpful during this period of transition.