Express Entry: Temporary removal of points for valid job offers
As of March 25, 2025, IRCC will be removing the additional points awarded for arranged employment in the Express Entry program. This will be a temporary measure - however IRCC did not provide any timelines.
Previously, candidates with a valid job offer could receive additional points, significantly boosting their chances of being invited for permanent residency. The point allocations were as follows:
200 points for job offers in senior management positions (NOC Major Group 00)
50 points for job offers in other skilled occupations
These points will be deducted from all existing Express Entry profiles and will no longer be awarded moving forward.
Who Is Affected?
Current Express Entry candidates with a valid job offer: Your CRS score will decrease as job offer points will be removed. It will take several days for your profile to be updated.
Future applicants: You will no longer receive CRS points for having a valid job offer.
Candidates with an active Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you have already received an ITA and it has not expired or been declined, you remain unaffected and can proceed as planned.
All employer-specific work permits: All candidates who hold a valid job offer with an employer-specific work permit supported by: an LMIA, a free trade agreement, an LMIA-Exempt work permit such as mobilitée francophone or other programs will no longer receive points for this offer.
Express Entry online program and points calculator.
Job Offers Still Matter in Other Programs
While job offers will no longer contribute CRS points in Express Entry, they remain important to determine eligibility in other immigration pathways, including:
The Federal Skilled Worker Program selection grid
The Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Next Steps for Applicants
If you are in the Express Entry pool, no immediate action is required. However, it is still advisable to keep your job offer details updated in your profile, especially if you are considering alternative immigration pathways like PNPs.
Why Is This Change Happening?
This temporary measure is part of IRCC’s broader strategy to address fraudulent job offers and illegal LMIA sales. By removing the incentive to misuse these processes, the government aims to ensure the integrity of Canada’s immigration system while still providing genuine applicants with a fair selection process.
