The Canadian government has made a significant change to its Express Entry system, eliminating the bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points awarded for arranged employment, including those supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This policy shift, effective March 25, 2025, will impact the scores of many candidates and alter their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Impact on Express Entry Candidates

Prior to this change, candidates could receive 50 or 200 extra CRS points for having a valid job offer, significantly increasing their chances of securing an ITA. With the removal of these bonus points, individuals with job offers will experience a substantial decrease in their overall score.

This change will likely result in a shift in the pool of candidates. While those with job offers face a decline in their ranking, individuals without job offers may see their relative position improve, as the overall competition for high scores decreases.

Understanding the CRS and its Factors

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used to rank eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool, which encompasses the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Candidates are awarded points based on various factors, including:

• Age: Younger candidates generally receive higher scores.
• Education: Higher levels of education translate to more points.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and/or French is crucial and significantly impacts scoring.
• Work Experience: Relevant work experience in Canada or abroad contributes to the overall score.

Other factors that can earn additional points include:

• French Language Skills: Proficiency in French can boost your score considerably.
• Canadian Education: Completing post-secondary education in Canada can earn you extra points.
• Family Ties: Having a sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can also increase your score.
• Provincial Nominations: Obtaining a nomination from a Canadian province or territory significantly enhances your chances.

Why This Change?

The elimination of bonus points for LMIA-supported job offers aims to address concerns about potential fraud and strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced these plans on December 17, 2024, stating that the change would discourage the illegal practice of “purchasing” an LMIA.

Our Advice for You

Given these significant changes to the Express Entry system, it is more crucial than ever for prospective immigrants to carefully reassess their profiles and explore all available immigration pathways.

With our expertise in Canadian immigration policies and the Express Entry system, we can provide personalized guidance to help you:

• Re-evaluate your CRS score: Determine how the policy changes will impact your individual situation.
• Identify areas for improvement: Explore strategies to enhance your profile, such as improving language skills or obtaining additional education.
• Explore alternative pathways: Consider other immigration programs that may be a better fit for your circumstances.

Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your specific situation and how we can assist you in achieving your Canadian immigration goals.