Canada Removes CRS Bonus Points for Job Offers in Express Entry
Key Change in Canada’s Express Entry System: No More Extra Points for Job Offers
In a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policy, the federal government has announced the removal of bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for candidates in the Express Entry pool who have valid job offers. This change, effective as of March 25, 2025, eliminates the additional 50 or 200 CRS points that were previously awarded to candidates with job offers, including those supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Previously, candidates with a valid job offer had a substantial advantage in the competitive Express Entry pool, often making them more likely to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR). However, with this update, these extra points will no longer apply, affecting candidates’ chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residency.
Impact on Candidates with Job Offers
Candidates who had been awarded CRS points for a valid job offer will see a reduction in their CRS score. Those who had received 50 points will lose those, and those with 200 points will also experience a decrease of the same amount. This change affects candidates who are currently in the Express Entry pool and had arranged employment in Canada.
The change does not affect candidates who have already received an ITA or those whose PR applications are already in progress. Their CRS scores and immigration processing will continue as normal.
Transition Period and Updated Information from IRCC
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has noted that it may take several days for candidates’ new CRS scores to reflect the change. Candidates are advised not to contact IRCC unless their updated score remains incorrect after one week.
It is important to note that while the points for a job offer are no longer awarded, a valid job offer remains relevant for eligibility in certain immigration programs, such as:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams
Despite the removal of the CRS points, the criteria for a qualifying job offer still stands.
Temporary Nature of the Change
According to IRCC, this removal of CRS points is a temporary measure, though no timeline has been provided for when or if these points will be reinstated. This is part of ongoing efforts by the Canadian government to refine and improve the Express Entry system.
Example of CRS Score Changes
To understand the impact of this change, let’s look at a comparative example of two hypothetical candidates in the Express Entry pool:
| Candidate | Before Change | After Change |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew | 540 (including 50 points for job offer) | 490 |
| Anita | 500 | 500 |
In this example:
- Andrew had a total CRS score of 540, which included 50 extra points for his valid job offer.
- After the removal of these points, Andrew’s score dropped to 490.
- Anita, on the other hand, had a CRS score of 500 and did not lose any points, placing her in a better position.
In an upcoming draw with a CRS cutoff of 495, Anita would receive an ITA for permanent residence, while Andrew would no longer be eligible for an invitation due to the reduction in his score.
Change in Employment Criteria for Physicians
In addition to removing bonus points for job offers, the recent update to Canada’s Ministerial Instructions has also impacted the employment criteria for physicians. Specifically, Section 29 (4), which previously allowed physicians’ job offers of less than one year to qualify under certain conditions, has been removed. The changes included limiting this provision to only certain types of job offers made by provincial or governmental agencies and healthcare organizations.
Why Canada Made the Change
The move to eliminate CRS points for job offers was announced by former Immigration Minister Marc Miller on December 17, 2024. This decision is part of Canada’s broader efforts to improve the integrity of the immigration process. The government aims to reduce the incentives for candidates to “purchase” LMIA-based job offers, a practice that is illegal and has been a subject of concern regarding immigration fraud.
This change is in line with the Canadian government’s crackdown on immigration fraud, which includes measures to protect vulnerable applicants and ensure the fairness of the Express Entry system.
How the CRS Works
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the system used by the Canadian government to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Candidates are assigned points based on factors like:
- Age
- Education
- Language proficiency (English and French)
- Work experience
Additional points can be awarded for factors such as:
- Proficiency in French
- Post-secondary education in Canada
- Having a sibling living in Canada
- Provincial or territorial nominations
The CRS points system is out of 1200, and the highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence during regular draws held by the government.
Looking Ahead
While the temporary removal of CRS points for job offers may have a significant impact on the chances of candidates in the Express Entry pool, it is part of a broader effort by Canada to ensure that the immigration system remains transparent, fair, and resistant to fraud. As this temporary measure is revisited in the future, more updates may come from the IRCC.
Candidates who have seen their CRS scores decrease will need to explore other ways to improve their standing in the pool, such as improving language proficiency, gaining additional work experience, or securing provincial nominations.
For more information, candidates can check the IRCC CRS webpage or use CanadaVisa+ to calculate their updated CRS scores.
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