The Express Entry system has long been one of Canada’s most efficient pathways for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. A key part of this system is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, work experience, education, and language proficiency.
For many years, having a valid job offer also known as arranged employment played a major role in increasing a candidate’s CRS score. This made it an attractive option for prospective immigrants and Canadian employers alike.
However, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced an important change:
Starting Spring 2025, job offers will no longer provide extra CRS points under Express Entry.
This marks a major shift in Canadian immigration policy.
Recent Changes to Arranged Employment in Express Entry
IRCC has confirmed that from Spring 2025, Express Entry candidates will no longer receive the usual 50 or 200 additional CRS points for having an eligible job offer.
Who is Affected?
All new and existing Express Entry candidates in the pool
Temporary foreign workers already in Canada
Those planning to apply in the future
Who is NOT Affected?
Applicants who already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Applicants who have already submitted their PR application
IRCC has mentioned that this is a temporary change, though no end date has been provided yet.
What Was Arranged Employment in Express Entry?
Under Express Entry, arranged employment referred to a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that met IRCC’s requirements.
To qualify, the job offer usually needed to be:
Full-time and non-seasonal
Lasting at least one year
Supported by an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) OR
Exempt under certain treaties or provincial agreements
Such a job offer showed that a Canadian employer was ready to hire the candidate often because no Canadian worker was available to fill the role.
Valid job offers increased a candidate’s credibility and competitiveness in the pool.
How Arranged Employment Previously Impacted CRS Scores
Before this new change, arranged employment could significantly boost a candidate’s CRS score:
50 points for most skilled occupations
200 points for senior management roles
These points often made the difference between receiving an ITA quickly or waiting months or even years in the Express Entry pool.
With the removal of these points, other parts of your profile now matter more than ever.
Other Immigration Pathways and Strategies
If arranged employment will no longer increase your CRS score, there are still many ways to improve your chances of receiving an ITA.
1. Improve Language Test Scores
Your English or French scores have a major impact on your CRS total.
Consider:
Retaking IELTS or CELPIP
Improving French with TEF Canada or TCF Canada
Higher language scores can add tens of points, often more than a job offer used to provide.
2. Increase Your Educational Credentials
Options include:
Completing a higher degree
Taking a diploma or certificate program in Canada
Getting an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) for all your foreign qualifications
Education points significantly contribute to CRS and help with work-experience combinations.
3. Gain Canadian Work Experience
If you study or work in Canada temporarily, you might become eligible for:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry
Higher CRS points due to Canadian work history
4. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Most PNPs offer higher chances of selection because they target:
In-demand occupations
Candidates with ties to the province
Workers with experience aligned to labor shortages
A provincial nomination gives 600 CRS points, guaranteeing an ITA.
5. Regional Immigration Pathways
If you prefer smaller cities or rural communities, consider:
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
These programs often have simpler eligibility pathways compared to Express Entry.
Conclusion
The removal of extra CRS points for arranged employment marks a major shift in Canadian immigration policy. IRCC is re-balancing the Express Entry system to ensure it favors a holistic candidate profile—not just those with job offers.
While some candidates may find this change challenging, it also creates an opportunity to strengthen other parts of your profile, such as:
✔ Language proficiency
✔ Education
✔ Canadian work experience
✔ Provincial nominations
Canada continues to offer many pathways for immigration, and staying informed and flexible is the key to success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does “arranged employment” mean in Express Entry?
It refers to a valid, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer, often supported by an LMIA.
2. What are the new Express Entry rules?
Starting Spring 2025, job offers will no longer provide extra CRS points.
3. What is the current CRS cut-off?
Cut-offs vary for each draw. Check official IRCC updates for the latest information.
4. Is LMIA removed in Canada?
No. LMIA is still required for many Canadian work permits and job offers.
5. How can I score 67 points for Canada PR?
Meet minimum requirements in:
Work experience
Language proficiency
Education
Age
Adaptability
Job offer (if available)
6. What is a valid job offer for Express Entry?
A written offer for full-time, non-seasonal work lasting at least one year, usually with an LMIA unless exempt.
