Canada Abolishes Bonus CRS Points for Job Offers Under Express Entry Starting April 2025

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In a move sending shockwaves through the international immigration community, Canada has officially removed the bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points previously awarded for valid job offers under the Express Entry system—effective March 25, 2025.

This sudden and bold decision by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) could dramatically alter the pathway for thousands of skilled workers worldwide aiming for Permanent Residency (PR) in the Great White North.

What Just Happened?

Previously, Express Entry candidates with a valid job offer backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) received either 50 or 200 extra CRS points, depending on the job’s seniority. These points gave many applicants a powerful boost, often propelling them above the cutoff for Invitations to Apply (ITA).

But as of this week, those points are gone. Completely removed.
No more bonus. No more easy elevation via job offers.

According to IRCC, the removal is temporary—but no date has been announced for its possible reinstatement. Officials cited rising fraud concerns, including fake job offers and LMIA abuse, as the driving force behind this change.

Immediate Implications for Express Entry Applicants

  1. CRS Scores Are Being Recalculated
    All Express Entry candidates with job offers in their profile will now see a drop in their CRS scores. For some, the hit may be as much as 200 points, pushing them far below recent cutoff thresholds.

  2. ITAs at Risk
    Applicants previously ranked high due to job offers may no longer receive Invitations to Apply, drastically changing their immigration timelines—or worse, eliminating their chances altogether.

  3. Focus Shifts to Other Criteria
    With job offers out of the CRS game, the spotlight now turns to factors like age, education, language proficiency, Canadian work experience, and adaptability.

What’s the New Express Entry Evaluation Formula?

With job offer points out of the picture (for now), here’s what will matter most in the CRS calculation:

  • Core Human Capital (up to 500 points)
    Age, education, official language skills, and Canadian work experience.

  • Spouse Factors (up to 40 points)
    If applicable: your partner’s language skills, education, and Canadian work experience.

  • Skills Transferability (up to 100 points)
    Combinations of education, work experience, and language ability.

  • Additional Points (now capped at 600 points)
    This includes provincial nomination (600 points), study in Canada, French language ability, or a sibling in Canada—but no longer job offers.

Real-Life Case Example of Express Entry Change Before/After Change

Candidate Profile Before March 25, 2025 (Old System) After March 25, 2025 (New System)
Name Priya Sharma Priya Sharma
Age 29 29
Education Master’s Degree Master’s Degree
Language Proficiency (IELTS) CLB 9 CLB 9
Canadian Work Experience None None
Foreign Work Experience 3 years 3 years
Job Offer (with LMIA) Yes, in IT sector (NOC TEER 1) Yes, in IT sector (NOC TEER 1)
CRS Points for Job Offer 200 points (Senior-level job) 0 points
Total CRS Score 535 (with job offer boost) 335 (job offer points removed)
ITA Status Received Invitation to Apply (ITA) Did not receive ITA—score below cutoff
Next Steps for Candidate Prepare documents for PR application Improve language score, explore PNPs, consider Canadian study/work
Emotional Impact Excited, hopeful, ready to move Frustrated, uncertain, needs to re-strategize

Priya went from being nearly guaranteed a PR spot to suddenly losing her advantage overnight. The only thing that changed? Her job offer points vanished.

Now, like thousands of others, she needs to shift focus to language tests, PNPs, or Canadian education. This case highlights how drastic and personal the impact of the change is—even for qualified candidates with real job offers.

Is This Change Good or Bad?

The Good:

    • Fights Fraud:
      The crackdown aims to stop the abuse of LMIA job offers, which have been used as a shortcut by some to unfairly climb the CRS ladder.

    • Levels the Playing Field:
      Candidates without Canadian job offers—especially from underrepresented regions—will now have a fairer shot based solely on merit and potential.

    • Supports Genuine Integration:
      IRCC seems to be prioritizing long-term integration through skills, education, and language, rather than temporary job placements.

The Bad:

    • Hurts Legitimate Job Holders:
      Those with genuine, hard-earned Canadian job offers now lose a huge competitive edge.

    • Adds Pressure on Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
      Expect more people to flood into PNPs for the 600-point boost—making them more competitive than ever.

    • Confusion and Uncertainty:
      The lack of a clear timeline for reintroducing job offer points has left many applicants in limbo.

What Can Applicants Do Now?

If you’re in the Express Entry pool or planning to enter:

  • Maximize Language Scores:
    Boost your IELTS or TEF scores—it’s now more critical than ever.

  • Pursue Canadian Education or Work Experience:
    Study permits or intra-company transfers could be strategic moves.

  • Explore PNPs Aggressively:
    These are now the golden ticket to 600 points—learn how to align your profile with provincial needs.

  • Stay Informed:
    With IRCC hinting that this is temporary, policy may shift again. Stay ready to adapt.

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