IRCC Policy Change Leads to Lower CRS Scores and New Opportunities for Express Entry Candidates
Canada’s Express Entry system has undergone a major transformation following the removal of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment. Implemented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on March 25, 2025, this change has led to a sharp drop in CRS scores and is reshaping how skilled immigrants qualify for permanent residency.
Under the previous system, candidates could earn an additional 50 or 200 CRS points for a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, depending on the occupation’s classification. These points often played a decisive role in receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) during Express Entry draws. However, IRCC has now eliminated these points to promote a fairer and more balanced selection process.
The impact has been immediate. Between March 16 and April 14, 2025, the number of profiles in the 501–600 CRS range dropped by 5,740. Additionally, the number of candidates in the 491–500 range fell by 1,618, and those in the 481–490 range declined by 984. These changes have already led to lower CRS cut-off scores in recent Express Entry draws, opening the door for a wider range of applicants.
According to IRCC, the removal of job offer points is aimed at improving system integrity and preventing misuse or fraudulent employment arrangements. It also shifts the focus toward core human capital factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience — elements that better predict a candidate’s long-term success in Canada.
For candidates hoping to boost their CRS scores, strategies such as improving English or French test results, gaining additional Canadian work experience, or applying through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) remain effective pathways.
This policy shift marks a significant moment in Canadian immigration, offering a more level playing field for skilled workers from around the world.
