Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed upcoming changes to the Express Entry system, stating that additional CRS points for valid job offers will no longer be awarded starting in spring 2025. This adjustment is expected to impact how candidates are ranked within the pool.
Currently, candidates can gain an additional 50 to 200 CRS points with a valid job offer, which can often determine whether they receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. However, this measure will be temporarily discontinued, with no end date specified.
Who Will Be Impacted?
The elimination of CRS points for job offers will be implemented across the board, impacting all candidates in the Express Entry pool, including those with temporary employment in Canada. This change will apply uniformly, regardless of the sector of employment.
This modification will not impact:
- Candidates who have already obtained an ITA, including points for arranged employment.
- Applicants with permanent residence applications currently under processing.
It is important to note the distinction between candidates and applicants:
- Candidates: Those who have submitted a profile to the Express Entry pool.
- Applicants: Individuals who have progressed beyond the candidate stage by receiving an ITA and submitting their permanent residence application to IRCC.
Background on Express Entry and CRS Points
The Express Entry system evaluates candidates based on a score out of 1200 CRS points, which includes core factors like age, education, language skills, and work experience. Additional points are awarded for factors such as:
- Provincial/territorial nomination (up to 600 points).
- French language proficiency.
- Post-secondary education in Canada.
- Having a sibling in Canada.
- Arranged employment.
Under the current system, job offers with a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) provide 50 to 200 points. Once this change is implemented, these points will no longer contribute to a candidate’s CRS score.
Ministerial Announcement
The decision to remove CRS points for job offers was first announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller on December 17, 2024. At the time, he did not specify the implementation timeline or detailed impact, leaving many candidates uncertain about future changes. However, this recent update provides clarity by confirming its introduction in the coming spring, allowing candidates to prepare accordingly.
What This Means for Candidates
This policy shift represents a substantial change in the selection process for Canadian immigration. While it may reduce the reliance on job offers, candidates will need to focus more on core CRS factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience to remain competitive. Additionally, exploring other pathways, such as provincial nominations or improving French language skills, could play a critical role in enhancing their profiles and securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
For expert guidance on how this change may affect your plans, feel free to contact us.
