Canada Scraps CRS Points for Job Offers in Express Entry: Major Policy Shift to Curb Fraud

In a landmark policy shift, Canada has removed the additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points previously awarded to Express Entry candidates with valid job offers, including those backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The change, effective March 25, 2025, aims to crack down on immigration fraud and level the playing field for candidates.

Under the new Ministerial Instructions, Express Entry candidates will no longer receive the 50 or 200 bonus CRS points associated with arranged employment. This will significantly reduce the scores of many candidates who previously benefited from job offers.

For years, arranged employment gave candidates a major advantage in the Express Entry pool. For instance, a candidate with a base score of 480 could boost their CRS by 50 or 200 points with an LMIA-backed job offer, greatly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. With the removal of these points, such candidates could now struggle to meet the cut-off.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), candidates who have already received ITAs or have ongoing permanent residence applications will not be affected. However, those still in the pool will see their CRS scores drop by the amount previously awarded for job offers.

Immigration consultants have applauded the federal government’s decision, describing it as a crucial step in curbing fraudulent LMIA practices. Jagpreet Bawa, an RCIC and Director at Canfed Visa & Immigration in Mississauga, said the change is long overdue, as LMIA manipulation had become rampant.

“This decision is monumental. We’ve seen a surge in employers and agents exploiting the system by selling LMIAs for exorbitant amounts. This change will finally put an end to such unethical practices. While it won’t impact candidates who’ve already received ITAs, those still in the Express Entry pool will see their scores recalibrated, likely within 2-3 days. This is a much-needed step to eliminate disingenuous employment offers and restore fairness to the system,” Bawa explained.

Bawa also emphasized that the removal of LMIA points will promote a more merit-based immigration system, reducing the influence of backdoor deals.

“By eliminating CRS points for job offers, the system will now reward genuine skills, education, and language proficiency rather than candidates who can afford to buy an LMIA. This levels the playing field, ensuring that invitations are based on merit, not money,” he added.

The removal of CRS points for job offers is expected to reshuffle the rankings in the Express Entry pool, creating both winners and losers.

Candidates without job offers will benefit the most. Since their CRS scores remain unchanged, they will gain a competitive edge over candidates who relied on LMIA points. On the other hand, candidates who previously held a significant advantage through arranged employment will now find themselves in a weaker position.

For example:

• Karan, who had a CRS score of 520 due to a job offer (50 points), will see his score drop to 470.

• Simran, with a score of 485 and no job offer, will remain unaffected.
  In a scenario where the CRS cutoff is 480, Simran will now receive an ITA, while Karan will miss out—despite previously holding a job offer advantage.

The removal of job offer points is part of a broader federal effort to combat immigration fraud. The policy was first announced by former Immigration Minister Marc Miller on December 17, 2024, as part of reforms targeting fraudulent LMIAs.

At the time, Miller stated that the measure was necessary to prevent candidates from “purchasing an LMIA”—a practice that is illegal in Canada but had become increasingly common.

In recent months, the federal government has introduced several anti-fraud initiatives, including proposed compensation funds for victims of unethical immigration consultants. These reforms aim to strengthen the credibility and fairness of Canada’s immigration system.

IRCC has advised that it may take a few days for CRS scores to reflect the new changes. Candidates are asked not to contact the department unless their scores remain incorrect for over a week.

As the system adjusts, Express Entry hopefuls without job offers could gain a better shot at receiving ITAs, while those who previously benefited from LMIA-backed employment may face stiffer competition moving forward.