Canada drops arranged employment points in Express Entry shake-up

Key Takeaways

• Canada removed arranged employment points from Express Entry on March 25, 2025, impacting thousands of CRS scores overnight.
• Over 7,373 new candidate profiles entered the Express Entry pool, greatly increasing competition in the 401-470 CRS range.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) now offer one of the best remaining ways to boost CRS scores significantly.

The recent decision by the Canadian government 🇨🇦 to remove points for arranged employment from its Express Entry system has caused sweeping changes for people hoping to immigrate under this program. The shift, which took effect on March 25, 2025, means candidates no longer get extra points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) just for having a job offer in Canada 🇨🇦. In the past, these job offers could raise a person’s CRS score by 50 or even 200 points, depending on the type of job. Now, that boost is gone, and many people are feeling the effects.

Let’s take a closer look at how this affects candidates, how Express Entry works, and what steps people can take to improve their chances now that the rules have changed.

What Changed in the Express Entry System?

Express Entry is the main way Canada 🇨🇦 welcomes skilled workers who want to become permanent residents. It’s a points-based system. Candidates earn CRS scores based on their age, education, work experience, language abilities, and other details. Before March 25, 2025, having a valid job offer in Canada 🇨🇦 gave candidates a solid boost—either 50 or 200 extra points, depending on the job type. Senior managers (classified as NOC 00) got the higher 200-point bonus, while most other skilled workers in jobs under NOC 0, A, or B could count on 50 points.

Now, with these extra points for arranged employment gone, many candidates have seen their CRS scores drop overnight.

Score Drops Hit Thousands of Candidates

This policy change was big news, especially for people who relied on those extra points to stay competitive. According to the sources, thousands of Express Entry profiles dropped by either 50 or 200 points. For some, this shift pulled them out of the top scoring range, moving them further down among their fellow applicants.

The numbers tell a clear story:

• High-scoring applicants, particularly those in the 501-600 CRS score range, saw a big decrease. About 5,740 candidate profiles in this group lost points and dropped to lower brackets.
• Many candidates who used to be in the top ranking now find themselves competing among the mid-level scores.
• The 461-470 CRS point range saw its numbers swell by more than 2,157 profiles as past high scorers moved down.
• Overall, after the change in March and throughout April 2025, more than 7,373 candidate profiles were added to the Express Entry pool across all score bands.

More Candidates, More Competition at the Middle

One effect of this change is that the Express Entry pool has grown, especially in the middle CRS score ranges. There were over 5,814 new entries in the 401-450 range, meaning there’s now a bigger crowd of applicants with very similar qualifications.

Because fewer people now have a sudden “edge” from a job offer, the system places more —on paper, at least — on the basic qualifications every candidate brings.

What Are CRS Scores and Arranged Employment?

CRS scores are the backbone of Express Entry. Each candidate gets a number based on their profile. Higher numbers usually mean better chances of getting an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Arranged employment, or a valid job offer from a Canadian 🇨🇦 employer, used to guarantee a big point bump.

Here’s how it worked before March 25, 2025:

• 200 points: Given to candidates with a job offer for a senior management role (NOC 00).
• 50 points: Awarded to those with a job offer in other skilled jobs (NOC 0, A, or B).

Now, these points are gone. So if you received an ITA in the past mainly because of arranged employment, things just got harder.

How the Change Works for Candidates

For people who depended on arranged employment points, the policy change has brought major challenges:

1. Candidates who got their high CRS scores mostly through job offers have dropped to lower score ranges.
2. People who didn’t have job offers (and maybe felt left out before) are now on more even footing.
3. The focus has shifted to “core human capital factors”—the essential things like your education, work experience in Canada 🇨🇦, language ability in English or French, and age—because those are what now count the most.

Growing Importance of Core Human Capital Factors

Core human capital factors now play a leading role in Express Entry. That means:

• Age: Younger candidates get more points.
• Level of education: Higher degrees add more to your CRS score.
• Language ability: High test scores in English (like IELTS) or French help boost your profile.
• Canadian work experience: If you’ve worked in Canada 🇨🇦 before, those years bring extra points.

With arranged employment points off the table, candidates need to make sure their core qualifications are as strong as possible.

Broader Purpose of the Policy Change

The move to get rid of points for arranged employment is not random. The government wants to focus on fairness, giving everyone a better shot based on their own qualifications, not just on whether they landed a job offer. Officials say it’s part of making the whole system more focused on true merit.

Possible Upsides:

• The playing field is more level, as candidates don’t need the advantage of a job offer.
• Highly skilled individuals are encouraged to apply, even if they haven’t yet locked down employment in Canada 🇨🇦.

But there are also challenges:

• For employers in Canada 🇨🇦 hoping to bring in specific international talent, it could be harder now.
• Candidates may feel discouraged if they miss out on valuable points they counted on before.
• More competition exists now in the key mid-level CRS score ranges.

What This Means for Employers and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Canadian 🇨🇦 employers used to rely on arranged employment as a tool to attract foreign workers. With that lever removed, provinces and provinces via Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) may become even more important. These programs allow provinces to choose people who fit their local needs. PNPs still offer bonus points for those selected, which can make a big difference in a candidate’s CRS score.

As a result, many candidates will now shift their focus to trying to win a provincial nomination. This approach can still give you major CRS score increases.

What Can Candidates Do to Boost Their CRS Scores?

With arranged employment no longer part of the equation, candidates need to look for other ways to stand out in the Express Entry pool. Here are some strategies:

1. Improve Your Language Test Scores
   • Retaking the IELTS or the French language exam and aiming for a higher score can raise your CRS total by dozens of points.
2. Pursue More Education
   • Earning a new credential, like a master’s degree or diploma, will increase your education points.
3. Gain Additional Canadian 🇨🇦 Work Experience
   • Working in Canada 🇨🇦, even for a short time, is worth extra CRS points, especially if you combine it with other skills.
4. Try for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
   • Getting selected by a province gives you considerable extra points, since PNPs are still a valid way to climb the CRS chart.
5. Update Your Profile Regularly
   • Some candidates forget to update their profiles, which could leave valuable points on the table. Make sure your Express Entry file reflects all your latest qualifications.

What About Immediate and Long-Term Impacts?

Right now, the most obvious effect is that people who counted on arranged employment have to fight harder. The influx of candidates with similar CRS scores has made the Competition in the lower and middle score brackets quite fierce.

Looking ahead:

• We might see the average CRS score needed to get an ITA change as the system adapts to the new rules.
• Provincial Nominee Programs could see even more interest, making the process there more competitive.
• Employers may be encouraged to connect with local talent or use other approved routes to hire foreign workers.

Historical Background: Why Express Entry Changes Over Time

The Express Entry system, launched in 2015, has changed many times. The idea was always to pick skilled workers who could help Canada’s 🇨🇦 economy grow. But as more people applied and employers’ needs changed, so did the rules.

Originally, arranged employment was highly sought after; it was meant to help employers fill jobs quickly with foreign talent. Over time, however, the government decided it was becoming less fair for people who didn’t have easy access to job offers, especially those outside the country. Removing points for job offers is one more step toward balancing the system around skills and merit.

Analysis and Insights

According to an analysis from VisaVerge.com, the policy shift benefits some but challenges many others. People who could not secure a Canadian 🇨🇦 job offer—maybe because of distance, lack of connections, or “closed” hiring networks—now have a better shot. In contrast, those who spent time and money chasing job offers may feel let down.

Also, the change could bring new strategies for both candidates and employers. Some candidates will focus more on language training or further education, while employers may have to turn to other streams if they want to hire someone from outside Canada 🇨🇦. Provinces, too, might look at updating their nominee programs to fill any gaps left by the change.

Community Reaction and Different Points of View

As with any major policy shift, opinions are divided. Some immigration experts say removing points for arranged employment was long overdue and finally brings more fairness. Others argue it tips the scales away from skilled immigrants who already have one foot in the Canadian 🇨🇦 workforce.

Applicants who had offers before March 25, 2025, have found themselves in a much tougher position, now needing to scramble to boost their scores in new ways. Meanwhile, those who never chased a job offer feel they have a true chance at getting selected.

What Should Candidates Do Next?

If you are in the Express Entry pool right now or planning to join, the following tips can help you succeed:

• Focus on your main qualifications: language, education, and experience.
• Research Provincial Nominee Programs thoroughly; some might be a good fit for your background.
• Consider if further studies or work in Canada 🇨🇦 are possible for you.
• Retake language tests to try to earn extra points.
• Keep up with official updates on the Express Entry system by visiting pages like the Government of Canada’s official CRS tool.

Summary

Canada’s 🇨🇦 decision to remove points for arranged employment from the Express Entry system is shaping the future of immigration in the country. While it takes away a major path for some, it opens new doors to others who have strong core skills but no job offer. The main winners are candidates whose education, work experience, and language abilities are truly strong. For those who saw their CRS scores fall, all is not lost; you can still improve your standing through higher test scores, more education, or earning a provincial nomination. As the Express Entry landscape continues to change, keeping your profile up to date and focusing on your strongest qualities will give you the best shot at securing an invitation to apply in the months ahead.

Learn Today

Arranged Employment → A valid job offer from a Canadian employer that previously granted significant CRS points before March 25, 2025.
CRS Score → Comprehensive Ranking System’s numeric score evaluating immigration applicants based on core qualifications like age, education, and language.
Express Entry → Canada’s principal application system for skilled workers seeking permanent residency, based on a points ranking.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) → A program allowing Canadian provinces to select immigrants who meet specific labor or economic needs.
Invitation to Apply (ITA) → An official invitation from immigration authorities allowing eligible Express Entry candidates to apply for permanent residence.

This Article in a Nutshell

Canada’s removal of arranged employment points from Express Entry on March 25, 2025, has reshaped immigration. Thousands saw their CRS scores drop by 50 or 200 points, intensifying competition. Candidates must now focus on language, education, and experience, or seek provincial nominations, to maximize their chances for permanent residency.
— By VisaVerge.com

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