IRCC to Remove CRS Points for Job Offers from Express Entry in Spring 2025

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant changes to the Express Entry system. Starting in spring 2025, candidates will no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a valid job offer.

What Is Changing?

Currently, Express Entry candidates with valid job offers can gain an additional 50 or 200 CRS points, depending on the job type. These points often play a crucial role in helping candidates secure an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. However, IRCC has clarified that these additional points for job offers will be removed as a temporary measure. The department has not yet specified when or if the measure will end.

Who Will Be Affected?

Once this change is implemented, all new and existing candidates in the Express Entry pool, including those already working temporarily in Canada, will be affected. The change applies universally, regardless of the job sector.

Who Is Not Impacted?

The following groups will not be affected by this change:

• Candidates already invited to apply for permanent residence: If a candidate received an ITA that included CRS points for a job offer, those points will remain valid.
• Applicants who have submitted their permanent residence application: If their application is being processed, the change does not apply.

It’s important to understand the distinction between candidates and applicants:

• Candidates are individuals who have created a profile in the Express Entry pool but have not yet received an ITA.
• Applicants are candidates who have received an ITA and submitted their permanent residence application to IRCC.
  
  

Why Is This Happening?

On December 17, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the plan to remove CRS points for job offers. This change impacts candidates under all three Express Entry programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  
  

At the time of the announcement, no specific date or details were provided, but IRCC has now confirmed the change will take effect in spring 2025.

About Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration system for economic programs. Candidates are assigned a CRS score out of 1200 based on factors like:

• Age
• Education
• Language proficiency
• Work experience
  
  

Additional points can be awarded for:

• Having a sibling in Canada who is a citizen or permanent resident
• French language skills
• Canadian post-secondary education
• Arranged employment
• Provincial or territorial nominations
  
  

The removal of CRS points for job offers means that candidates will need to focus on other factors to maximize their CRS scores.

What’s Next?

As this change takes effect, candidates should adapt their strategies for improving their CRS scores. Options like improving language proficiency, gaining Canadian education or work experience, and seeking provincial nominations can help strengthen profiles.