In latest move, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily eliminated bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers within the Express Entry system, effective March 25, 2025.
The IRCC explained that the policy change is a measure to curb fraud and recalibrate the immigration process.
By stripping away the CRS points tied to arranged employment, the IRCC said it is aiming to dismantle the black market in the immigration system and restore integrity to the system. The agency, however, failed to clarify how long this “temporary measure” will remain in effect, leaving applicants in a state of uncertainty about its long-term implications.
It was gathered that this has begun to send shockwaves through the global pool of skilled workers eyeing permanent residency in Canada.
Before this change, Express Entry candidates with a valid job offer backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) could earn between 50 and 200 additional CRS points, depending on the job’s seniority.
Senior management roles (classified under National Occupation Classification Major Group 00) netted a hefty 200-point boost, while other skilled positions garnered 50 points.
These bonus points often propelled candidates to the top of the highly competitive Express Entry pool, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
However, this advantage has vanished. The IRCC’s decision means that candidates must now rely solely on their core human capital factors—age, education, language proficiency, and work experience—to secure a competitive CRS score.
The roots of this policy overhaul trace back to December 2024, when then-Immigration Minister Marc Miller signalled the change as part of a broader effort to combat fraudulent practices within the Express Entry system.
Miller had emphasized that removing bonus points for job offers would “reduce fraud by removing the incentive to illegally buy or sell labour market impact assessments.”
The Express Entry system, launched in 2015, has been a cornerstone of Canada’s strategy to attract skilled workers under programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.
In 2024 alone, the country welcomed over 400,000 permanent residents, with Express Entry playing a pivotal role.
Critics of the policy shift have begun to argue that removing job offer points could slow employer-driven immigration, potentially clashing with Canada’s need to address labour shortages in key sectors like healthcare, technology, and trade.
On the flip side, others have contended that the change refocuses the system on “human capital,” prioritizing candidates with the skills and adaptability to thrive in Canada’s evolving economy.
