The Government of Canada has announced a major change to the Express Entry system, significantly impacting candidates in the immigration pool. Effective March 25, 2025, job offers will no longer contribute points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
This update marks a strategic shift in how candidates are ranked within Express Entry draws, emphasizing human capital factors over employment-based points. Here’s what you need to know about the changes and how to adjust your immigration strategy moving forward.
Key Change: No More CRS Points for Job Offers
Previously, candidates could earn additional CRS points for a valid job offer, as follows:
- 200 points – For senior management positions (Major Group 00 of the National Occupational Classification – NOC).
- 50 points – For other skilled occupations under Express Entry.
As of March 25, 2025, these job offer points will be completely removed from the CRS score calculation.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
- Your CRS score may decrease if you were previously relying on job offer points.
- Your Express Entry ranking may change as the system recalibrates scores across the pool.
- You should explore alternative ways to strengthen your profile for better ranking and selection chances.
Important: Candidates should allow a few days for their scores to update in the Express Entry system. If discrepancies persist beyond one week, they may contact Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for assistance.
What Stays the Same?
Although job offers no longer boost CRS scores, they remain a requirement for certain immigration programs, including:
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – Some trades require a valid job offer to qualify.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – While job offers are not mandatory, they can enhance eligibility.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Certain PNP streams still require job offers for provincial selection.
Bottom Line: Even though job offers won’t impact CRS ranking, they still play a role in eligibility for specific pathways to permanent residency. Candidates should continue including job offer details in their Express Entry profiles if required by their selected immigration stream.
How Express Entry Candidates Can Adapt to This Change
Since job offers no longer provide CRS points, candidates must strengthen their profiles in other areas to increase their ranking. Key areas to focus on include:
1. Improving Language Proficiency Scores
- Higher IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF scores = More CRS points.
- Retaking English (IELTS/CELPIP) or French (TEF/TCF) tests may help boost your score.
2. Increasing Education Credentials
- Completing an additional degree, diploma, or certificate may provide more CRS points.
- Consider obtaining a Canadian education credential, as it carries extra CRS benefits.
3. Gaining More Work Experience
- Canadian work experience is highly valued – If possible, gain more skilled work experience in Canada through a valid work permit.
- Foreign work experience + strong language scores = Increased CRS points.
4. Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- PNPs remain the best way to maximize CRS points – A provincial nomination provides 600 additional points, virtually guaranteeing an Express Entry ITA (Invitation to Apply).
- PNP streams often target specific professions – Stay updated on PNP draws and their job market demands.
Updated CRS Scoring Breakdown (Effective 2025)
With job offer points removed, the Express Entry CRS score calculation is now focused on:
✔ Core Human Capital Factors
- Age
- Education level
- Language proficiency (English/French)
- Canadian work experience
✔ Skill Transferability Factors
- Education + Work Experience Combinations
- Foreign Work Experience
- Professional Certification (Trade Occupations)
✔ Additional Points Available
- Sibling in Canada (citizen or PR): +15 points
- Strong French language skills (NCLC 7+): Up to +50 points
- Canadian education credentials: Up to +30 points
- Provincial Nomination (PNP): +600 points (most valuable CRS boost!)
Strategy Tip: Since PNP nominations now provide the biggest CRS boost, candidates should strongly consider applying to provinces that align with their occupation and skills.
What Should Express Entry Candidates Do Now?
If You’re Already in the Express Entry Pool:
- Check your updated CRS score after March 25, 2025.
- If your score dropped, focus on language tests, education, or gaining additional work experience.
- Explore PNP opportunities to significantly boost your CRS ranking.
If You’re Planning to Apply Soon:
- Build a strong CRS profile without relying on job offers.
- Consider obtaining a Canadian degree or diploma for extra CRS points.
- Gain additional work experience in Canada before applying.
- Target high-scoring factors like language proficiency to improve ranking chances.
How NPZ Law Group Can Help
With Express Entry rules evolving, applicants must adapt their immigration strategies to remain competitive. At NPZ Law Group, we help candidates:
- Evaluate CRS scores and find ways to improve ranking.
- Identify the best PNP programs based on skills and qualifications.
- Prepare strong applications to maximize approval chances.
- Understand changing immigration policies and how they impact Express Entry.
Contact NPZ Law Group today for expert Express Entry guidance and personalized immigration strategies.
Final Thoughts
The removal of job offer points from the CRS score represents a major shift in Canada’s Express Entry system. While it may impact some candidates’ rankings, alternative pathways—such as higher language scores, increased education, and PNP nominations—can still significantly enhance an applicant’s chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Staying informed, proactive, and strategic will be key to success in Canada’s evolving Express Entry system. If you need personalized assistance with your immigration application, Visaserve Immigration Law P.C is here to help.
