IRCC removes points for job offers in the Express Entry system as of March 25, 2025

A major reform of the Comprehensive Ranking System

À compter du 25 mars 2025, Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC) cessera d’attribuer des points pour les offres d’emploi dans le cadre du système de classement global (SCG) d’Entrée express. Cette décision marque un tournant dans la sélection des candidats à l’immigration économique au Canada, en mettant davantage l’accent sur d’autres facteurs de mérite comme les compétences linguistiques, l’expérience de travail et le niveau d’éducation.

Until now, a validated job offer could give candidates a significant competitive edge - up to 200 points for a senior management position (Group 00 of the National Occupational Classification) and 50 points for other specialized occupations. These points could propel a candidate to the top of the Express Entry pool and earn him or her an Invitation to Apply (ITA) sooner.

A change that affects all candidates, present and future

This change applies both to candidates already registered in the pool and to those who submit their profiles after March 25, 2025. IRCC would like to point out that the scores on some profiles may not be displayed correctly for a few days, due to the technical adjustment. However, it is recommended not to contact immigration services for a week if the problem persists.

This removal of points is intended to rebalance the selection system, by reducing reliance on Canadian employers to secure an invitation. This could favour candidates who do not yet have an established professional network in Canada, but who possess solid qualifications.

Job offer still an eligibility criterion for some programs

Although points awarded for a job offer will be abolished in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) as of March 25, 2025, this does not eliminate the importance of the job offer in the immigration process. Indeed, in many federal and provincial programs, a valid job offer is still a fundamental eligibility criterion:

• The Skilled Trades Program (federal)
• The Skilled Worker Program (federal)
• Some components of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Thus, a job offer remains essential in some cases, even if it no longer provides a direct advantage in the SCG ranking.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

This program is designed for foreign workers with significant experience in a skilled trade. To qualify, candidates must either hold a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, or a certificate of qualification issued by a provincial or territorial authority. In this way, the job offer plays a key role in justifying the candidate's ability to practice his or her trade in Canada.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

For this program, a valid job offer may also be required to meet the minimum eligibility requirements, depending on the candidate's profile. Even if the job offer no longer improves the CGS score, it may still be an essential element in demonstrating that the candidate meets the program's conditions and obtains the minimum threshold of 67 points on the selection grid.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Each Canadian province manages its own economic immigration streams, often in conjunction with the Express Entry system. Many of these streams require a valid job offer from an employer based in the province to demonstrate that the applicant meets the needs of the local labor market. For example, programs such as the Ontario Employer Job Offer, the Manitoba Skilled Worker Stream or certain components of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program specifically require a job offer to issue an provincial designation.

Impact on employers and candidates

This decision could have significant repercussions for Canadian employers who relied on the awarding of points to attract or retain foreign talent. Foreign candidates who relied on a job offer to improve their position will now have to rethink their strategy.

Candidates should consider improving their score in other ways - by strengthening their language skills, pursuing additional education, or gaining Canadian work experience through other avenues (such as the post-graduation work permit or the Francophone mobilityfor example).

Conclusion: towards fairer selection?

This change is part of a wider trend to make the Express Entry system fairer and more accessible, particularly for candidates who are not yet connected to the Canadian job market. By removing points for job offers, IRCC would seek to favor skills and long-term potential over immediate attachment to an employer, in addition to reduce fraud as announced at the end of 2024.

Applicants and employers are urged to keep abreast of official updates, and to consult an immigration professional to adjust their strategy in light of this major reform.

Are you affected by this change?

Prenez rendez-vous pour une consultation initiale avec notre consultant réglementé en immigration canadienne (CRIC) afin d’évaluer votre profil et adapter votre plan d’immigration aux nouvelles règles d’Entrée express.