Canada Eliminates Bonus CRS Points for Arranged Employment in Express Entry
On March 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented a significant change to the Express Entry system by removing additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for candidates with arranged employment. Previously, applicants could receive 50 to 200 extra points for valid job offers, depending on the position’s skill level. This adjustment affects all candidates in the Express Entry pool who had previously benefited from these additional points.
Why This Change Matters
- Level Playing Field: Candidates without job offers now have a more equal opportunity to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- CRS Score Adjustments: Applicants who depended on arranged employment for higher scores must now explore alternative ways to enhance their rankings.
- New Focus Areas: With this change, factors such as language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience become even more critical for improving CRS scores.
Who Will Be Most Affected?
- Candidates who relied on a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-approved job offer to secure additional CRS points.
- Foreign workers in Canada on employer-specific work permits who expected to gain an advantage in the Express Entry draws.
- Employers who used job offers as a way to support skilled workers in obtaining permanent residency.
What Can Candidates Do Now?
With job offers no longer carrying extra CRS points, applicants must strengthen other aspects of their profiles, such as:
- Enhancing Language Scores: Higher IELTS or CELPIP scores can significantly boost CRS rankings.
- Education Credentials: Obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees can add valuable points.
- Canadian Work Experience: Gaining experience in Canada through open work permits, postgraduate work permits, or provincial nominee programs (PNPs).
Alternative Pathways to Permanent Residency
While this change affects Express Entry, other immigration options remain available:
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces offer nomination streams that provide a 600-point CRS boost.
- Start-Up Visa & Business Immigration: Business owners and entrepreneurs can explore investment-based immigration options.
- Family Sponsorship: Candidates with eligible family members in Canada can apply for sponsorship programs.
How Arrowhead Consulting Can Help
At Arrowhead Consulting, we stay ahead of immigration changes to provide our clients with up-to-date, strategic advice. Whether you need help improving your CRS score, exploring provincial nominee programs, or finding the best immigration pathway, our experts are ready to guide you through the process.
Location & Project Details
For those considering moving to Canada, different provinces offer various opportunities. See below for a quick comparison:
| Province | Key Benefits | Major Cities | Housing & Job Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Strong job market, diverse industries | Toronto, Ottawa | High demand, competitive |
| British Columbia | Thriving tech & business sector | Vancouver, Victoria | Expensive but lucrative opportunities |
| Alberta | Affordable cost of living, strong oil & gas industry | Calgary, Edmonton | Lower housing costs, growing job sector |
| Prince Edward Island | Growing economy, easy pathways to PR | Charlottetown | Affordable, good work-life balance |
This major change in the Express Entry system requires candidates to rethink their strategies. If you need personalized guidance, Arrowhead Consulting is here to help!
📞 Call: +1 780-300-2323
📧 Email: info@arrowheadconsulting.ca
🌍 Visit: www.arrowheadconsulting.ca