In a significant update for Express Entry candidates, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that job offer points will no longer contribute to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. As of 25 March 2025, applicants with a valid job offer will not receive additional CRS points, marking a major shift in Canada’s immigration landscape.
What’s Changing?
Previously, candidates who had an arranged employment offer classified under :
- Major Group 00 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) – typically senior management positions – could earn an additional 200 CRS points.
- Similarly, those in other skilled occupations classified under NOC received 50 CRS points.
These additional points often gave candidates a significant advantage in receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. However, IRCC has now removed these bonus points from the CRS system.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
The removal of job offer points from the CRS score calculation means candidates will need to focus on other core factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency to enhance their rankings in the Express Entry pool. If you have a job offer, your CRS score may drop, but IRCC advises candidates to wait a few days for their updated score to reflect correctly. If discrepancies persist for more than a week, you may contact IRCC for clarification.
What Stays the Same?
While job offers no longer boost CRS scores, they remain a crucial eligibility requirement for certain immigration programs. This includes:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Candidates must still include valid job offer details in their Express Entry profile to maintain eligibility under these programs.
If you’ve recently secured a new job offer, it’s essential to update your Express Entry profile through your IRCC secure account. The details you need to include are:
1) start date
2) employer’s name and address
3) the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) number (if applicable),
4) the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code associated with the position.
To be considered valid, your job offer must be in writing, recent, and not issued by an embassy, high commission, or consulate in Canada. It should clearly outline key employment details, including salary, deductions, job responsibilities, and work conditions such as weekly hours.
While job offers no longer contribute to additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), they remain an essential eligibility requirement for certain immigration pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. Keeping your Express Entry profile updated ensures that your application remains compliant with the latest IRCC regulations.
How Rio Immigration Can Help?
At Rio Immigration Consultancy Group, we understand that these changes can be overwhelming for candidates aiming to secure permanent residency in Canada. Our experts can guide you on how to optimize your Express Entry profile, explore alternative pathways, and strengthen your overall CRS score.
Need assistance with your Express Entry application? Contact Rio Immigration today! Let’s navigate this change together and find the best route for your Canadian immigration journey.
