Express Entry 2025 changes: Canada removes job offer points for PR candidates
The decision stems from concerns about fraudulent LMIAs
Canada has unveiled a significant policy change to its Express Entry system, removing extra points for job offers starting in spring 2025.
This development is set to reshape the landscape for candidates pursuing permanent residency (PR) in the country.
Under the existing Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), candidates with valid job offers receive an additional 50 or 200 points. These points have often been decisive in determining who receives an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR. However, reports of misuse and fraud involving Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) have prompted the government to revise its approach.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, said in a recent statement: “This temporary measure will reduce fraud by removing the incentive to illegally buy or sell LMIAs to improve a candidate’s chances of being selected for permanent residency.” He stressed the importance of ensuring fairness and integrity while continuing to attract the skilled talent that Canada’s economy needs.
Impact on PR candidates
The removal of job offer points will apply to all candidates within the Express Entry pool, including those already working temporarily in Canada. The change does not discriminate between job sectors, meaning candidates across all industries will be affected.
Indian nationals are the largest group of applicants in Canada’s Express Entry system. In 2023, 40,775 of the 85,760 Express Entry candidates were Indian. Between January and October 2024, Indians comprised 31,165 of the total 67,520 candidates. The removal of job offer points means Indian candidates will need to rely more on other factors such as language proficiency, education, and work experience to secure ITAs.
Exemptions for current applications
This policy change will not affect:
Candidates who have already received an ITA for PR with points for job offers under the “arranged employment” category.
Applications for PR currently under processing by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Distinguishing Candidates and Applicants
In the Express Entry process, “candidates” refer to individuals who have submitted profiles for consideration. “Applicants” are those who have received an ITA and submitted their PR applications. This distinction clarifies that the new rule impacts only those in the candidate pool post-implementation.
Reason for the change
The decision stems from concerns about fraudulent LMIAs. Unscrupulous immigration agents have reportedly colluded with employers to fabricate LMIAs, exploiting prospective immigrants by charging exorbitant fees – sometimes reaching CAD 75,000. By removing job offer points, IRCC aims to eliminate this incentive, ensuring that the system rewards genuine skills and qualifications.
The government’s goal is to level the playing field, enabling candidates to compete based on their overall profiles rather than relying on potentially compromised job offers. This shift aligns with Canada’s broader objective of attracting a diverse and highly skilled immigrant workforce.
Canada Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship system for managing PR applications from skilled workers. It encompasses three primary programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Scoring System: Candidates are scored out of 1,200 points based on:
- Age
- Education
- Language proficiency
- Work experience
Additional points (up to 600) can be earned through factors such as:
- Provincial or territorial nominations
- French language skills
- Having a sibling in Canada
- Canadian post-secondary education
Currently, candidates with valid job offers can gain 50 or 200 additional points. However, starting in spring 2025, these points will no longer be awarded, aligning the system more closely with Canada’s emphasis on holistic candidate evaluation.