In a significant policy shift, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has removed the additional Comprehensive Ranking System CRS points awarded for arranged employment in the Express Entry system. This change, effective as of March 25, 2025, has led to a substantial decrease in CRS scores for thousands of candidates, reshaping the landscape of Canadian immigration.
Understanding the Change
Prior to this adjustment, Express Entry candidates could earn:
- 50 additional CRS points for a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer.
- 200 additional CRS points for a high-level executive position under National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0.
These points often played a pivotal role in securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. However, the recent policy change has eliminated this advantage, impacting candidates across various score ranges.
Impact on CRS Score Distribution
Between March 16 and April 14, 2025, the Express Entry candidate pool experienced notable shifts:
- CRS Score Range 501–600: A decrease of 5,740 profiles.
- CRS Score Range 491–500: A decrease of 1,618 profiles.
- CRS Score Range 481–490: A decrease of 984 profiles.
These reductions primarily resulted from the removal of arranged employment points, redistributing candidates to lower CRS score ranges. Despite these decreases, the overall candidate pool grew by 7,373 profiles, indicating a dynamic shift in the composition rather than a simple attrition.
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Detailed CRS Score Range Changes
The following table illustrates the changes in Express Entry profiles between March 16 and April 14, 2025, across various CRS score ranges:
| CRS Score Range | Change in Profiles |
|---|---|
| 601–1200 | +123 |
| 501–600 | -5,740 |
| 491–500 | -1,618 |
| 481–490 | -984 |
| 471–480 | +182 |
| 461–470 | +2,157 |
| 451–460 | +1,750 |
| 441–450 | +1,817 |
| 431–440 | +1,722 |
| 421–430 | +1,465 |
| 411–420 | +1,101 |
| 401–410 | -291 |
| 351–400 | +1,677 |
| 301–350 | +1,496 |
| 0–300 | +2,516 |
| Total | +7,373 |
Notably, the 461–470 CRS score range saw an increase of 2,157 profiles, suggesting that many candidates previously in higher score ranges have been redistributed here due to the removal of arranged employment points.
Current Composition of the Express Entry Pool
As of April 14, 2025, the Express Entry candidate pool comprises the following CRS score distribution:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601–1200 | 816 |
| 501–600 | 19,782 |
| 491–500 | 12,093 |
| 481–490 | 12,359 |
| 471–480 | 16,215 |
| 461–470 | 16,189 |
| 451–460 | 14,686 |
| 441–450 | 14,131 |
| 431–440 | 14,740 |
| 421–430 | 13,084 |
| 411–420 | 13,020 |
| 401–410 | 12,326 |
| 351–400 | 53,479 |
| 301–350 | 22,799 |
| 0–300 | 8,563 |
| Total | 244,282 |
This distribution highlights a significant concentration of candidates in the 451–500 CRS score range, now comprising over 71,500 profiles. The 401–450 range also remains substantial, with over 67,000 candidates.
Implications for Prospective Applicants
The removal of CRS points for arranged employment has leveled the playing field for many candidates, especially those without a valid job offer. However, this change also means that candidates now need to enhance their profiles through other means, such as:CIC News+2prestigelaw.ca+2VISATEAM Immigration Inc.+2
- Improving language proficiency: Achieving higher scores in English or French language tests can significantly boost CRS points.
- Gaining additional work experience: Accumulating more skilled work experience can increase CRS scores.Immigration News Canada+3prestigelaw.ca+3Fragomen+3
- Pursuing further education: Obtaining additional educational credentials can contribute to a higher CRS score.
- Securing a provincial nomination: A nomination from a Canadian province adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.CIC News
Candidates should also consider exploring alternative immigration pathways, such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), which may offer different criteria and opportunities.
