Express Entry Changes 2025: How the Removal of Arranged Employment Points Affects Your PR Chances
By Sanjay Prasher (SP), M.B.A, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (CICC #R514499)
Member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
Last Updated: April 2025
On March 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made a major change to the Express Entry system:
No more CRS points for arranged employment (LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt job offers).
This means:
Why does this matter?
Thousands of candidates who relied on job offers for extra points now have lower CRS scores.
Many profiles that were once competitive may no longer qualify for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
The Express Entry cut-off scores may drop, but not enough to help all affected applicants.
You’re impacted if:
You had an LMIA-supported job offer (+50 or +200 points)
You were relying on those points to boost your CRS score
You’re NOT impacted if:
You already applied for PR before March 25, 2025
You received an ITA before March 25 (even if not yet submitted)
Since job offers no longer give CRS points, you need new strategies to stay competitive.
| Strategy | Potential CRS Gain |
|---|---|
| Improve IELTS/CELPIP (CLB 10 = max points) | +32 (per language ability) |
| Learn French (NCLC 7+) | +50 (bilingual bonus) |
| Add a Spouse’s Credentials (language, education) | +20-40 |
| Get a Provincial Nomination (PNP) | +600 |
If Express Entry is no longer viable, consider:
✔ Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Some streams don’t require a job offer.
✔ Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) – Employer-driven but lower requirements.
✔ Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) – For smaller communities.
CRS scores may drop temporarily, but competition will increase.
Category-based draws (Healthcare, STEM, Trades, French) are now more important than ever.
As a regulated immigration consultant, here’s my advice:
Don’t Panic – Reassess Your Profile
Use the CRS calculator to see where you stand.
Focus on language retests, education upgrades, or PNP options.
Avoid Misrepresentation
Some candidates may falsely claim job offers or experience.
This leads to bans—always be truthful in your application.
Consider French-Language Draws
CRS cut-offs for French speakers are much lower (as low as 379 in recent draws).
Employers: Support Your Foreign Workers
Help employees explore PNPs or LMIA-based work permits.
Extend work permits if PR is delayed.
At CTIV Immigration, we help candidates navigate these changes legally and effectively.
Free CRS Evaluation: Book a Consultation
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IRCC’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan reduced PR targets:
2025: 395,000
2026: 380,000
2027: 365,000
The government says removing job offer points will:
This change disadvantages many skilled workers, but new opportunities exist.
Your next steps:
Canada still needs immigrants—just with a different approach now.
Obtaining and applying for Canadian citizenship can be a long and labour-intensive process as law changes very fast. We keep you posted on citizenship application requirements. We are your Citizenship application process immigration consultant.
Canada is well known for its spacious countryside, cultural diversity, superior education, healthcare system and economic stability, has one of the highest immigration rates and is considered one of the most popular destinations for Immigrants.
