Good News: CRS Scores Drop in Express Entry as IRCC Removes Job Offer Points

In a dramatic move that has reshaped Canada’s Express Entry system, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has removed bonus CRS points for arranged employment. This update has already shaken the candidate pool, causing thousands of profiles to drop by 50 to 200 points. For many aspiring immigrants, the road to Canadian permanent residency (PR) just got a lot steeper—or more level, depending on perspective.

Canada Immigration watchers and applicants are closely analyzing how this shift affects their chances. Let’s dive into the significance of this policy change, supported by real data from April 2025 and authoritative immigration sources.

Significance of Removing CRS Points for Arranged Employment

1. Flattening the Playing Field for All Express Entry Candidates

The removal of arranged employment points means fewer candidates now receive a competitive advantage based solely on Canadian job offers. Previously, eligible job offers under certain NOC codes could boost a candidate’s score by 50 or even 200 points—more than enough to land an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

With this major policy change, Express Entry is more merit-based. Candidates without Canadian job offers but with strong credentials like education, work experience, and language proficiency will now have a better chance of being selected.

You can find official confirmation of this policy change in the CIC News announcement.

2. CRS Score Bands See Big Shifts

Between March 16 and April 14, 2025, the Express Entry pool changed dramatically. Profiles in higher CRS score ranges dropped sharply. For example, over 5,700 profiles disappeared from the 501–600 range. Around 1,600 profiles vanished from the 491–500 range, and almost 1,000 from 481–490.

Where did these profiles go?

Many were redistributed into lower bands, particularly the 461–470 range, which added more than 2,100 new profiles. The 451–460 range also swelled with an increase of over 1,700 candidates. Lower score brackets like 401–450 saw the largest boost, gaining more than 5,800 profiles.

This redistribution means future Express Entry draws could have lower cut-off scores. But competition will also be more intense in those mid-score ranges.

Not sure where your CRS stands now? Book a free consultation at A2Zimmi to evaluate your Express Entry profile.

3. Overall Express Entry Pool is Still Growing

Despite all the reshuffling, the total number of profiles in the Express Entry pool has increased. In fact, it jumped by over 7,300 candidates, bringing the total to 244,282—one of the largest pools in recent history.

This shows that immigration to Canada remains a top goal for thousands around the world. But the pressure is building. Candidates need to stay competitive and update their profiles regularly.

4. New Focus: Human Capital Over Job Offers

By removing CRS points for arranged employment, IRCC appears to be signaling a shift in policy—one that places more emphasis on human capital rather than employer connections.

This means your language test scores, education credentials, and Canadian experience (if any) are more important than ever. The change especially favors international graduates, tech professionals, and skilled workers who’ve spent time studying or working in Canada.

For detailed CRS breakdowns and tips, refer to the CanadaVisa CRS guide.

5. Impact on Employers and LMIA-Backed Profiles

This change might not be as welcome for Canadian employers who relied on job offers to help foreign workers gain PR quickly. The value of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to support Express Entry profiles has now diminished.

Many employers may now focus more on Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or employer-specific work permits rather than Express Entry pathways. It’s also possible we’ll see more job offers flowing through regional and sector-specific streams outside Express Entry.

Removing CRS points for job offers has caused a major shake-up. Thousands of candidates lost 50 to 200 points overnight, changing the competitive landscape. While this may seem like a setback to some, it also opens up new opportunities for others—especially those with strong core credentials.

Now more than ever, the focus is on education, language, and adaptability.

If your profile was affected or you’re entering the pool soon, it’s crucial to update your strategy. Consider improving your IELTS scores, gaining Canadian experience, or exploring provincial programs.

Ready to boost your profile and secure Canadian PR? Book your personalized strategy session with A2Zimmi now.