CRS Points for Arranged Employment Under Express Entry Removed: What This Means for You

The Canadian immigration landscape shifted significantly in 2025. One of the most impactful changes is the removal of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment under Express Entry. For many skilled workers and employers alike, this policy change alters how immigration applications will be assessed, and how permanent residence can be pursued through Canada’s main economic immigration system.

This article breaks down what arranged employment meant in the past, what has changed, and what prospective Express Entry candidates can do to adapt.

What Are CRS Points and How Do They Work?

The Express Entry system ranks candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns a score based on age, education, language proficiency, Canadian work experience, and other criteria. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for a permanent resident visa through draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Until recently, a valid job offer from a Canadian employer could boost a candidate’s CRS score by 50 or 200 points—often enough to secure an invitation. These were known as bonus CRS points for arranged employment.

What Is Arranged Employment Under Express Entry?

Under IRCC guidelines, “arranged employment” referred to a full-time, continuous, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one year. The job offer had to be supported by a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) unless the applicant held a valid LMIA-exempt work permit under an international agreement or significant benefit exemption.

Depending on the position, candidates could receive 50 points (for most occupations) or 200 points (for senior management roles in Major Group 00 of the NOC system). These additional points for arranged employment were a key part of many applicants’ Express Entry strategy.

What Has Changed in 2025?

As of April 30, 2025, IRCC has removed the CRS points awarded for arranged employment in Express Entry profiles. This change applies to all Express Entry programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

This policy update affects new applicants and those currently in the Express Entry pool, as the points are no longer considered in CRS score calculations. It also applies retroactively—if you had arranged employment points in your profile, they have been removed.

Why Did Canada Remove CRS Points for Arranged Employment?

IRCC cited several reasons for this change. First, there was increasing concern about misuse of job offers—some candidates obtained job offers from Canadian employers that were not genuine, sometimes just to claim bonus points.

Second, the government wants to focus more on applicants who are already working in Canada or have strong ties through Canadian education or family. This aligns with IRCC’s move toward favoring those with higher chances of integrating quickly into the labour market.

Additionally, IRCC likely wanted to reduce complexity and potential inequities in the system. Genuine candidates without employer connections were often overlooked due to the bonus CRS points for job offers, even if they had stronger overall profiles.

Impact on Express Entry Applicants

This change affects candidates differently, depending on their current status.

• New applicants must now plan their immigration strategy without relying on points for a valid job offer.

• Current Express Entry candidates may have seen a significant drop in CRS scores, especially those who previously relied on a positive LMIA or a work permit from the same employer.

For example, a candidate working in Canada on a closed work permit with an LMIA-backed job offer in NOC 11202 (professional occupations) would have previously received 50 additional CRS points. That edge is now gone.

Those in the Canadian Experience Class who already hold work permits will likely be better positioned to adapt, especially if they can demonstrate strong language proficiency, Canadian work experience, and high education levels.

Do Provincial Nominee Programs Still Offer Points?

Yes. Candidates can still receive 600 additional CRS points if nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These programs continue to play a major role in the Express Entry system and are not affected by the changes to job offer points.

If your employer is based in a province that supports foreign workers through its PNP stream, that is now a more reliable way to gain an edge in your application.

Explore our services for PNP applications.

Should You Still Get a Job Offer?

Yes—but with different expectations. A job offer from a Canadian employer can still support a work permit application and help with long-term settlement, even if it no longer boosts your CRS score.

A valid work permit, particularly if LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt (e.g. under an international agreement or significant benefit), allows you to work in Canada legally and may make you eligible for programs like CEC or future public policies targeting in-Canada workers.

Learn more about LMIA and work permit options.

How to Improve Your CRS Score Without a Job Offer

With CRS points for arranged employment under Express Entry now gone, applicants should focus on other factors that can boost their score:

• Improve your language test scores (IELTS or TEF)

• Pursue a Canadian education program

• Accumulate Canadian work experience

• Explore PNP streams

• Increase your spouse’s language or education points

• Create a strong Express Entry profile with accurate details

We recommend a customized strategy based on your background. A job offer may still benefit your immigration application—just not through CRS points.

What This Means for Canadian Employers

Employers can still hire foreign nationals through LMIA-supported or LMIA-exempt work permits, but they should no longer expect that a job offer alone will fast-track an applicant’s permanent residence.

This may slow down timelines for some foreign hires seeking PR. It may also increase pressure on employers to support provincial nominations or intra-company transfers under a federal-provincial agreement.

If you are a Canadian employer looking to support a skilled foreign worker, we can help ensure your strategy complies with immigration rules and remains effective.

See how AKM Law supports Canadian employers.

Is This a Temporary Measure?

At this time, IRCC has not indicated whether the removal of points for arranged employment is temporary or permanent. However, the change aligns with broader trends that prioritize applicants with in-Canada experience and strong human capital indicators.

It is possible that future Express Entry draws may adapt further, including more targeted categories under Bill C-19, or changes that focus on specific sectors or occupations.

Seek Legal Advice from Canadian Immigration Lawyers at AKM Law

This update has left many Express Entry candidates rethinking their immigration plans. If you are uncertain about your eligibility or how to proceed after losing points for arranged employment, we are here to help.

At AKM Law, we work with individuals, families, and employers to build realistic, effective strategies for permanent residence through Express Entry, PNPs, or employer-driven programs. Whether you are currently working in Canada, have a foreign skilled worker background, or are just starting your immigration journey, we can guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and review your options with an experienced immigration lawyer.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, consult the relevant legislation or regulations, or contact our immigration lawyers directly.