BREAKING: Canada Scraps Bonus CRS Points for Job Offers in Express Entry!

In a significant shift impacting potential immigrants, Canada has officially removed the extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points that were previously awarded to Express Entry candidates with valid job offers. This change, outlined in the Ministerial Instructions effective from March 25, 2025, has stirred considerable conversations among immigration hopefuls.

Before this adjustment, candidates could gain an additional 50 or 200 CRS points solely based on a job offer, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR). With this reform, all candidates currently in the Express Entry pool who previously benefitted from these points will now see their scores drop accordingly.

Who Is Affected?

The good news is that those who have already received ITAs or whose PR applications are in the pipeline are not impacted by this change. However, for many aspiring immigrants, the loss of points means a reduction in their competitive edge. Following the announcement, candidates without job offers may find themselves with a better chance at receiving ITAs, as their competitors see their scores plummet.

Example Scenarios

To illustrate, consider two fictional candidates: Andrew and Anita, both qualified under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) pathway. Prior to the change, Andrew had a score of 540 (boosted by a valid job offer), while Anita had a score of 500. Post-change, Andrew's score dropped to 490, while Anita remained at 500. In a future draw with a cutoff score of 495, Anita could be granted an ITA, marking a dramatic shift in the competitive landscape.

Healthcare Professionals Left in the Lurch

In conjunction with removing job offer-based CRS points, the federal government also tweaked eligibility rules for healthcare professionals. A previously included clause that allowed non-permanent employment offers for physicians to qualify has been eliminated, raising concerns for medical professionals looking to immigrate.

The Why Behind the Change

Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller had called for this reform in late 2024, citing the need to eradicate practices where candidates feel pressured to "purchase" a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)—a process deemed illegal. The Canadian government aims to reinforce the integrity of its immigration system by simplifying the points system and curbing fraudulent activities. Over the recent months, the IRCC has ramped up efforts to combat immigration fraud by introducing regulations that hold unethical consultants accountable.

What Lies Ahead?

As this new regulation takes effect, potential Express Entry candidates must reassess their strategies. Without the cushion of extra CRS points for job offers, how will individuals without employment offers position themselves for immigration success? With ongoing updates expected from the IRCC, many will be watching closely to see how these changes play out in upcoming draws.

Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story, as changes in immigration policies can shift the lives of thousands—one point at a time!