Canada Announces Removal of Bonus CRS Points for Arranged Employment: What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
The Government of Canada has announced that bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment will be removed from the Express Entry system beginning in spring 2025. According to the federal announcement, the change is intended to address concerns related to fraud and to support the integrity of the immigration system.
At present, candidates with a qualifying job offer may receive additional CRS points, which can increase the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Once the change takes effect, these additional points will no longer be awarded. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, has indicated that the measure is designed to reduce incentives for the misuse of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).
Importantly, the federal government has stated that this policy change will not affect individuals who have already received an ITA or those who have submitted an application that is currently in progress.
Who Is Affected
The removal of CRS bonus points for arranged employment will affect a wide range of Express Entry candidates once the change takes effect in spring 2025. Individuals currently in the Express Entry pool, especially those relying on job-offer points to increase their Comprehensive Ranking System scores, may see their ranking shift under the updated rules.
Temporary foreign workers in Canada who expected these points to strengthen their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) may also be impacted. Future applicants entering the system after implementation will be evaluated solely on core CRS factors rather than arranged employment points. According to federal announcements, this change will not apply to candidates who have already received an ITA or who have submitted a permanent residence application that is still in progress.
Strategies Candidates May Consider
With the removal of arranged-employment CRS points scheduled for spring 2025, Express Entry candidates may wish to review general strategies that could help strengthen their profiles under the updated system. Many applicants choose to focus on improving core factors such as language test scores, which can significantly influence CRS results. Others may explore obtaining additional skilled work experience or pursuing further education that qualifies for higher CRS points.
Some candidates may also look into provincial nomination programs, which continue to operate independently of the arranged-employment change and can provide substantial CRS boosts for eligible applicants. Because the impact of these options varies by individual circumstances, applicants should consider seeking professional advice tailored to their specific situation.
Potential Implications for Applicants
The removal of arranged-employment points may affect applicants in different ways:
- A more level field: Individuals without job offers may find that they are more competitive based on core CRS factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Alternative strategies: Applicants who previously relied on arranged employment points may wish to explore other ways to strengthen their CRS profile, such as improving language scores, gaining additional work experience, pursuing further education, or investigating provincial nomination pathways.
- Temporary workers: This change may be particularly relevant to individuals working in Canada on temporary permits who expected these points to boost their CRS score.
Because the specific effect on any individual depends on personal circumstances, candidates should consider obtaining advice that takes their situation into account.
Next Steps for Candidates
With implementation expected in spring 2025, applicants may wish to:
- Review their current CRS profile to understand how the change may affect competitiveness.
- Monitor updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as further guidance or transitional information becomes available.
- Seek individualized legal advice if they need assistance assessing their options or determining whether alternative pathways may be appropriate.
Conclusion
The federal government’s decision to remove bonus CRS points for arranged employment represents a significant development in Canada’s Express Entry system. While the change is intended to address program integrity concerns, its practical effect will vary widely among applicants. Staying informed and obtaining tailored guidance can help individuals navigate the transition effectively.
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