‘‘As of March 25, 2025, arranged employment no longer boosts candidates’ chances for permanent residency’’
In a move that is sending shockwaves through Canada’s immigration system, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially removed Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment under the Express Entry program.
Effective March 25, 2025, candidates will no longer receive additional CRS points for holding a valid job offer, even if it is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)—a policy shift that could significantly alter the competitive landscape for prospective immigrants. “This change reflects a broader realignment of priorities in Canada’s economic immigration system,” an IRCC official stated. “We’re moving toward a more skills- and category-based selection process, rather than relying heavily on job offers.”
WHAT’S CHANGED?
Previously, Express Entry candidates could receive 50 or 200 CRS points for arranged employment, depending on the position. These points often gave candidates a decisive edge in receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Now, those bonus points are gone—leaving many candidates with significantly lower CRS scores and fewer chances of receiving an ITA in future draws. The policy is particularly impactful for foreign workers with LMIA-backed job offers, who have historically relied on that advantage to overcome other gaps in their CRS profile such as age, education, or language proficiency.
WHY THE CHANGE?
The federal government has not yet released full details behind the decision, but immigration experts suggest
this is part of IRCC’s ongoing shift toward category-based selection draws, which began in 2023. These
draws prioritize specific occupations, language abilities, and regional needs rather than traditional CRS
scores alone.
“It’s a game-changer,” says immigration consultant Sarah Malik. “For years, arranged employment was a golden ticket. Now, candidates will need to focus more on boosting other areas of their profile—language scores, education, and work experience.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR CANDIDATES?
Those who already submitted profiles before March 25 will retain their existing CRS scores, but any new or updated profiles will no longer benefit from arranged employment points. Candidates currently relying on job offers to push their CRS above the cut-off are now being advised to reassess their strategy and explore provincial nominee programs (PNPs) or work on improving core CRS factors.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration priorities to meet labour market and demographic needs, today’s change marks a significant pivot—one that may reward adaptability over attachment to traditional pathways.
