Impact of Removing CRS Points for Job Offers in Express Entry in 2025

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system, the recent changes announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller might directly impact your strategy. Starting in spring 2025, IRCC will eliminate additional points granted to candidates with job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Understand what has changed, how it affects your application, and what you can do to improve your score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

What was it like before the change?

Until recently, the Express Entry system awarded additional points to candidates with valid job offers when applying through one of the following programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP);

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC);

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

These points could range from 50 to 200 in the CRS, depending on the type of occupation. For a job offer to be considered valid, it had to meet various conditions, often including the requirement for an LMIA.

What has changed?

On December 17, 2024, Marc Miller announced that Express Entry candidates will no longer receive additional points for job offers supported by LMIA. This decision means that:

• Candidates will no longer benefit from up to 200 points in the CRS.

• All candidates will compete on more equal terms, regardless of whether or not they have a valid job offer.

Impact on candidates

Before this change, having a job offer was one of the most effective strategies to boost CRS scores, especially for candidates who already met eligibility criteria. Removing these points may make it more challenging for some candidates to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

What can you do to improve your CRS score?

With removing additional points for job offers based on LMIA, exploring other ways to improve your CRS score is crucial. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Improve your language proficiency

Language proficiency is one of the most influential factors in the CRS. By increasing your score in an approved language test (such as IELTS or CELPIP), you can gain up to 60 additional points. For instance:

• Moving from CLB 6 to CLB 9 can significantly affect the human capital factors category.

2. Work on your weaker official language

If you have already maximized your score in your stronger official language (usually English), consider improving your proficiency in the other official language (French). In addition to the main language score category, you can earn 50 additional points for French proficiency.

3. Consider studying in Canada

Completing a study program in Canada can add significant points to your CRS score. It also facilitates gaining Canadian work experience, a highly valued factor in the system.

4. Gain additional work experience

This can increase your CRS score if you are close to completing another year of work experience (in Canada or abroad). Ensure your work experience is accurately accounted for in your application.

Conclusion

Removing points for job offers based on LMIA is a significant change in the Express Entry system. While it may seem challenging, there are several strategies you can adopt to boost your score and maximize your chances of immigrating to Canada.

Planning your application? Stay updated on the new rules and adapt your strategy to achieve your Canadian dream!

Contact us!