Canada’s Express Entry system has always placed a strong emphasis on specific factors to attract skilled workers, including education, work experience, language ability, and—until recently—arranged employment. Traditionally, having a valid job offer in Canada could add 50 or 200 points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, depending on the position’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) level. However, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced in December 2024 that these additional points would be removed from the Express Entry system starting March 25, 2025.
In this blog, Immigration Nation – Edmonton Immigration Consultant delves into the rationale behind this policy change, how the average CRS score might be affected, and the potential solutions—like Category-Based Selection—that prospective immigrants can use to strengthen their applications. Whether you’re just learning about these updates or you’re already in the Express Entry pool, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to remain competitive in Canada’s dynamic immigration landscape.
1. Background: Why IRCC Removed Points for Arranged Employment
Historically, job offers supported by a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) could increase a candidate’s CRS score by 50 or 200 points. These additional points rewarded applicants who had secured Canadian employment in advance and were deemed more likely to integrate into the Canadian labor market successfully.
However, in December 2024, IRCC announced a temporary measure aimed at reducing fraudulent activities in the Express Entry system. Some individuals were found to be buying or selling job offers (often with LMIA support) purely to inflate their CRS scores. This not only undermined the integrity of Canada’s immigration system but also unfairly disadvantaged genuine applicants who lacked such offers.
To combat this, IRCC decided to:
- Remove the extra CRS points (50 or 200) for arranged employment, effective March 25, 2025.
- Prevent new applicants from claiming those points.
- Revoke existing arranged employment points from Express Entry profiles already in the pool (though it may take a few days post-March 25 for the system to update).
Why This Matters
- Integrity and Fairness: IRCC seeks to level the playing field, ensuring that only genuine job offers impact Canadian immigration decisions.
- Shift in Priorities: With the introduction of Category-Based Selection (e.g., focusing on healthcare, trades, STEM, agriculture), IRCC is signaling a more targeted approach to selecting immigrants who meet specific labor market needs.
Immigration Nation – Edmonton Immigration Consultant stays on top of these policy shifts to guide our clients through Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.
2. Key Dates and Who Is Affected
December 23, 2024: IRCC announced a temporary measure to remove arranged employment points to reduce fraud.
March 25, 2025: Official date when the changes take effect. All CRS points for qualifying job offers will be removed for new and existing candidates in the Express Entry pool who do not have an active Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Who Is Affected?
- Existing Express Entry Candidates
- If you currently have an LMIA-based job offer in your profile, the additional 50 or 200 points will be removed soon after March 25, 2025.
- This change does not affect your core CRS factors (age, education, language, work experience).
- New Express Entry Candidates
- If you’re creating a profile on or after March 25, 2025, you will no longer be able to claim points under the arranged employment factor.
- Candidates with an Active ITA
- If your ITA has not expired or been declined, you retain eligibility for that specific round, including any arranged employment points you were awarded.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Applicants
- The job offer factor still exists in PNP processes. Provinces can continue to consider job offers when nominating applicants.
- However, for the federal Express Entry side, your arranged employment points won’t count. That said, a provincial nomination still provides a 600-point boost, which remains a significant advantage.
3. How This Change Might Affect Average CRS Scores
A critical question for many is: Will the overall CRS cut-off score decrease? The answer is multifaceted:
- Reduced Score Inflation
- Without the automatic 50 or 200 points for a valid job offer, some candidates previously near the top of the CRS range may see substantial drops. Naturally, this could slightly lower the average CRS cut-off in future “no program specified” draws.
- Category-Based Selection Impact
- Canada has introduced category-based draws focusing on in-demand occupations (healthcare, STEM, trades, etc.) and attributes (e.g., French language). These specialized rounds may continue to invite high-scoring candidates in specific fields, which can balance out some of the downward pressure on CRS scores.
- However, in general draws where no specific category is targeted, fewer people will benefit from artificially boosted scores, potentially reducing the overall CRS thresholds.
- Behavioral Changes
- Some applicants who previously relied on LMIA-based job offers might now pivot to improving their language scores, obtaining additional education credentials, or seeking provincial nominations. This shift could introduce more competition in other scoring categories.
- Historical Trends
- Historically, major policy changes (like the 2016 shift from 600 to 200/50 points for LMIAs) temporarily influenced draw thresholds. Over time, the pool stabilized as applicants adapted.
- Expect an initial period of volatility, followed by a steadier baseline where the average CRS cut-off may settle a bit lower than in recent years.
At Immigration Nation – Edmonton Immigration Consultant, we monitor Express Entry draws closely to provide current and prospective clients with up-to-date insights on CRS trends.
4. Potential Solutions: Targeting Category-Based Selection
If you’re worried about losing the LMIA/arranged employment points or if you never had them in the first place, Category-Based Selection could be your next strategic move. Starting in 2025, IRCC is placing greater emphasis on occupation- and skill-based draws, including:
- Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations
- Skilled Trades Occupations
- French-Language Proficiency
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
- Education Occupations
Why Category-Based Selection Can Help
- Targeted Occupations: If your NOC code is on IRCC’s list of targeted occupations, you might be selected even if your overall CRS score is modest compared to general draws.
- Fills Labor Market Needs: IRCC aims to fill critical labor shortages (e.g., nursing, teaching, skilled trades). Demonstrating your expertise in a high-demand field could be more advantageous than ever.
- Less Reliance on Arranged Employment: You no longer need to bank on having a Canadian job offer to receive a significant score advantage. Occupation-based draws can level the playing field.
Tips for Success in Category-Based Selection
- Confirm Your NOC Code
- IRCC’s category-based approach relies heavily on precise NOC classification. Make sure your job duties match the correct 2021 NOC code, including the right TEER level.
- Keep Your Profile Updated
- If you gain more work experience, complete additional training, or improve your language scores, update your Express Entry profile immediately.
- Monitor Category Draws
- IRCC doesn’t publish a fixed schedule. Stay informed about upcoming draws targeting your occupation or skill set. At Immigration Nation – Edmonton Immigration Consultant, we keep track of IRCC announcements, so our clients are always in the know.
- French Proficiency
- If you have or can develop strong French language skills (NCLC 7 or above), you can become eligible for specialized French draws. Bilingual candidates enjoy bonus points in regular CRS scoring and may qualify under the French-Language Category.
5. Other Ways to Improve Your CRS Score
Even with the removal of LMIA/arranged employment points, you have multiple pathways to boost your overall ranking. Here are some strategic steps:
- Maximize Language Scores
- Each band improvement in your IELTS or CELPIP (English), or TEF/TCF (French), can add valuable points. Consider professional tutoring, language courses, or retaking the test for a higher score.
- Educational Credentials
- If you have partial post-secondary studies, you might upgrade to a full diploma or degree to gain additional education points. Also, get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for each qualification you hold.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- PNPs remain an excellent option. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, practically guaranteeing an ITA in subsequent draws. Keep an eye on provinces that align with your occupation or skill set.
- Canadian Work Experience
- Working in Canada (under a valid work permit) can bolster your CRS points over time. One year of skilled Canadian experience yields extra points, and two or more years add even more.
- Spousal Factors
- If married or in a common-law relationship, your partner’s language abilities, education, and Canadian work experience can contribute to your CRS. Make sure to accurately reflect spousal credentials in your profile.
- Professional Licenses and Certifications
- For regulated professions (e.g., nursing, teaching, skilled trades), obtaining the relevant Canadian credential can strengthen your profile, especially under category-based draws.
By diversifying your approach and seeking professional guidance from Immigration Nation – Edmonton Immigration Consultant, you can offset the removal of arranged employment points and remain a strong candidate for Canadian permanent residency.
6. Top 10 FAQs
Below are the 10 most common questions our clients are asking about these changes. If you don’t see your query answered here, reach out to us directly for personalized guidance.
- Q: Will I lose points in my existing profile if I have a valid LMIA-based job offer?
A: Yes. If you do not have an active ITA or if your ITA has expired/been declined, you will see your CRS drop by the 50 or 200 points you currently hold for arranged employment after March 25, 2025. - Q: Do I need to remove my job offer from my Express Entry profile entirely?
A: No. IRCC will remove the points automatically. You can and should still declare any valid job offers because they might be relevant for specific program requirements (e.g., Federal Skilled Trades Program) or future changes. - Q: Is there any chance IRCC will reinstate arranged employment points in the future?
A: The current policy is described as a “temporary measure,” but IRCC has not provided a timeline for reversing it. Always check official IRCC releases or consult with Immigration Nation for the latest updates. - Q: I already accepted an ITA with these points. Do I lose my PR status?
A: No. If your ITA is still valid and you’ve submitted or are submitting your application, you remain eligible for that round. Successfully landed PR applications are not affected retroactively. - Q: How will this affect the CRS cut-off?
A: We anticipate a possible dip in average CRS thresholds, especially for general draws. Category-based draws, however, will continue to select top candidates in priority occupations, so score fluctuations may vary by draw type. - Q: Can I still receive 600 points for a Provincial Nomination?
A: Absolutely. PNPs remain unchanged. If you qualify for a provincial nomination, you can still claim the 600-point bonus under Express Entry. - Q: What about job offers that are exempt from LMIA?
A: IRCC’s directive removes all arranged employment points, whether LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt (e.g., certain international agreements). The factor as a whole is simply no longer awarding CRS points. - Q: Should I try to improve my language scores or consider re-education?
A: Yes. Without arranged employment points, boosting language test scores or upgrading education credentials can be a great way to increase your CRS ranking. - Q: Will it become harder to immigrate to Canada?
A: Immigration remains a key Canadian priority, but selection criteria evolve over time. You may need to be more strategic—perhaps exploring category-based draws or PNPs—to secure a competitive CRS score. - Q: How can Immigration Nation – Edmonton Immigration Consultant help me navigate these changes?
A: We specialize in comprehensive immigration strategies, from Express Entry profile creation to NOC code verification and PNP applications. With in-depth knowledge of the new rules, we guide you step-by-step to ensure you remain competitive.
7. Next Steps and Conclusion
With the removal of arranged employment points, Express Entry is entering a new era. While it may feel unsettling for those who relied on LMIA-based job offers, these changes also open doors for candidates with in-demand skills, occupations, or strong French proficiency. In fact, Category-Based Selection can serve as a lifeline for many applicants, allowing them to qualify under specialized draws that align with Canada’s labor market priorities.
Key Takeaways
- Removal of Arranged Employment Points: This measure aims to curb fraudulent job offers and level the playing field for genuine applicants.
- Potential Lower CRS Thresholds: The average CRS cut-off may decrease slightly in general draws, though category-focused draws could remain competitive.
- New Focus on In-Demand Occupations: Healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, and education are top priorities in Canada’s revised strategy.
- Other CRS-Boosting Strategies: Language proficiency, educational upgrades, provincial nominations, and thorough NOC alignment remain crucial.
8. Contact Immigration Nation – Edmonton Immigration Consultant
Ready to navigate these changes confidently? Immigration Nation – Edmonton Immigration Consultant provides the expert guidance you need to adapt your Express Entry strategy. We offer:
- Profile Assessment: Determine if you qualify under any category-based draws.
- CRS Optimization: Explore language test improvements, credential assessments, and PNP pathways.
- Application Review: Ensure your documentation is complete and accurately reflects IRCC requirements, from reference letters to NOC codes.
Get in touch:
- Address: 9038 51 Ave NW, Suite 206, Edmonton, AB T6E 5X4
- Phone: (780) 800-0113
- Email: [email protected]
Alternatively, visit our website to Book Your Consultation or fill out a Free Assessment form. Let us help you secure your future in Canada under the best possible immigration program for your situation.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies, including Express Entry selection criteria, can change. Always consult IRCC’s official website or speak with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for the most up-to-date information and personalized guidance.
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