In a historic step that has redefined Canada's Express Entry system, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially eliminated Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment, effective March 25, 2025. The policy change represents a major shift in the way candidates are ranked and chosen for permanent residency.

Let's dissect this, why this occurred, and how potential immigrants can modify their approaches to remain competitive in the new environment.

What Has Changed in the CRS Points System?

Candidates in the Express Entry pool used to be able to get up to 50 or 200 CRS points if they had a job offer with an LMIA. That created a huge advantage, particularly if they were otherwise just outside of the cutoff.

But now, those additional points are gone.

Based on the most recent figures from IRCC, thousands of profiles fell dramatically in ranking following the change of rules. Between March 16 and April 14, 2025:

• The number of profiles in the 501-600 CRS range dropped by 5,740
• Profiles in the 491-500 range dropped by 1,618
• Even the 481-490 range saw a reduction of 984 candidates.

The ripple effect is undeniable. Numerous candidates who previously sat comfortably above the cutoff are now fighting to boost their scores by alternative means.

Why Did IRCC Make This Decision?

Although arranged employment was initially added in order to bequeath candidates a clear pathway to integration within the Canadian job market, it also gave rise to system abuse.

In the past few years, IRCC observed an increase in LMIA-based job offers that were not necessarily authentic, where applicants accepted job offers solely to artificially enhance their CRS scores. The process was being abused more and more, with certain employers taking money or making bogus offers to overseas aspirants.

By removing the CRS points for arranged employment, IRCC is:

• Promoting fairness and transparency
• Ensuring genuine job offers are not just used as a shortcut
• Refocusing the system on human capital factors like skills, education, and language proficiency

What Does This Mean for Current Candidates?

If you were counting on secured employment to take your CRS score over the cut-off, you would have seen a drastic plunge in your score. And if your current CRS score is now below the mean draw range (usually between 470–490), chances are your prospects for receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) have reduced.

But don't worry - this policy change, though difficult, is also a chance. Candidates can now compete on a more equal footing, particularly those who lack access to Canadian employers or costly immigration consultants.

Express Entry Is Becoming More Skills-Focused

This decision is part of Canada’s broader push toward skills-based immigration. The IRCC has already launched category-based Express Entry draws to target candidates in high-demand sectors like:

• Healthcare
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• Skilled Trades
• Agriculture
• Transport

Rather than rewarding someone for having a job lined up, IRCC wants to select immigrants with the right skills and potential to succeed long-term in Canada’s labor market.

What Can You Do to Boost Your CRS Score Now?

With job offers no longer adding 50–200 points, candidates must focus on core CRS areas. Here’s how to adapt:

1. Max Out Language Test Scores

Language is now more crucial than ever. A high IELTS or CELPIP score can give you a big boost. For example:

• CLB 9 or higher in all bands can lead to substantial increases in your CRS
  
  
• If possible, take the French language test as well to earn extra points for bilingualism
  
  

2. Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

A PNP nomination still gives you 600 CRS points, which guarantees an ITA. Several provinces are aggressively looking for skilled workers, especially in tech, healthcare, and trade roles.

3. Pursue Further Education

If you have the time and resources, completing a higher education program—especially in Canada—can significantly raise your score and give you Canadian experience.

4. Gain More Work Experience

More years of foreign work experience (especially in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations) increase your score. Consider delaying your application to gain additional years and boost your CRS.

5. Use Category-Based Express Entry Draws

These draws specifically target workers in select professions. If you fit the criteria, your chances of selection are higher—even with a lower CRS score.

Final Thoughts: Adapt and Thrive

The elimination of CRS points for arranged employment can be a disappointment to many, but it's also a move toward a fairer and skill-based system.

Canada continues to welcome more than 465,000 new immigrants in 2025, and Express Entry continues to be a main entry point for economic immigrants. The emphasis is now on skills, language, and flexibility—not merely connections or job offers.

If you're serious about Canadian immigration, now is the time to:

• Reassess your profile
• Explore new PNP opportunities
• Improve your language scores
• Stay up to date on category-based draws

The system has changed - but with the right strategy, your Canadian dream is still very much within reach.

Conclusion

Canada's elimination of CRS points for arranged employment moves the immigration emphasis to merit, skills, and flexibility. Although it will deter applicants who are dependent on job offers, the adjustment makes the playing field and puts priority on true qualifications. The future of Express Entry is geared towards skilled workers to address Canada's labor market requirements. Success now depends on enhancing language skills, acquiring experience, and pursuing provincial or category-based routes to Canadian permanent residency.

Confused about how CRS changes impact your Canada PR? Contact Province Immigration Consultancy at +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com.