Lost CRS Points for Arranged Employment? Boost Your Score with Language Tests
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Canada’s immigration landscape, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has removed CRS points for arranged employment from the Express Entry system as of March 25, 2025. This change eliminates the additional 50 or 200 points previously awarded to candidates with a qualifying job offer, including those supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The decision aims to curb fraudulent LMIAs and misuse of the system, but it also leaves many Express Entry candidates scrambling to adjust their strategies for securing permanent residence.
Understanding the Impact
The removal of arranged employment points is a significant shift in how CRS scores are calculated. Previously, these points played a crucial role in helping candidates boost their scores, often making the difference in receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Now, candidates must rely on other factors to remain competitive in the Express Entry pool.
What This Means for Candidates
Candidates in the Express Entry pool who previously benefited from arranged employment points have had these points automatically removed from their profiles. Their CRS scores will be updated to reflect this change, and while some may still qualify for an ITA, others will need to explore new ways to strengthen their applications. Those who have already received an ITA or have ongoing permanent residency applications are unaffected by this change.
A New Focus on Language Proficiency
With arranged employment points no longer in play, language test scores have become more critical than ever. High scores on tests like IELTS, TEF, or CELPIP can significantly enhance a candidate’s CRS score, potentially making the difference in securing an ITA. Other strategies to improve CRS scores include furthering education, gaining additional Canadian work experience, and pursuing provincial nominations through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) streams.
Broad Implications for Employers and Candidates
The removal of arranged employment points also has implications for employers who may need to support foreign workers on closed work permits by renewing their permits, as the path to permanent residence through Express Entry has become more challenging. Additionally, the overall CRS scores in the candidate pool are expected to decrease, which could lower the CRS cut-off thresholds in future Express Entry draws.
Navigating the New Landscape
While the removal of arranged employment points presents challenges, it also underscores the importance of diversifying strategies to enhance CRS scores. Candidates should focus on maximizing their language test scores, improving their education credentials, and exploring alternative immigration pathways such as provincial nominations. Employers, too, must adapt by supporting their employees’ immigration goals through other means, such as continued work permit renewals.
A Temporary Measure with Lasting Effects
IRCC has described the removal of arranged employment points as a temporary measure, first announced in December 2024, but has not provided an end date for this policy. While the definitions of a qualifying job offer remain largely unchanged, the absence of CRS points for arranged employment marks a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policies. As the situation evolves, candidates and employers alike must remain vigilant and prepared to adapt to further changes.
Key Takeaways
- Arranged employment no longer contributes to CRS scores as of March 25, 2025.
- Language test scores, education, and Canadian work experience have become even more critical for improving CRS scores.
- Provincial Nominee Programs remain a competitive but viable route to higher CRS scores and permanent residence.
- The policy change is temporary, but its effects are immediate and far-reaching.
This policy shift highlights the dynamic nature of Canada’s immigration system and the need for candidates and employers to stay informed and proactive in navigating the ever-changing landscape. As IRCC continues to refine its policies, one thing is clear: adaptability and strategic planning will be key to securing permanent residence in Canada.
Understanding the Broader Implications and Strategies Moving Forward
Effects on Express Entry Candidates
The immediate impact of this policy change is significant. Candidates who previously benefited from arranged employment points have had their CRS scores automatically adjusted, with the points removed as of March 25, 2025. IRCC has advised that updated CRS scores should reflect this change within a few days, and if not updated after a week, candidates should contact them for assistance. However, it’s important to note that this change does not affect those who have already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or have ongoing permanent residency applications.
Current Applications and Eligibility Requirements
While the CRS points for arranged employment have been removed, a valid job offer still plays a role in meeting the eligibility criteria for certain immigration programs. For instance, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and select streams under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) still consider a valid job offer as part of their requirements. This means that while the points are no longer awarded, having a qualifying job offer can still be beneficial for meeting program eligibility.
Raising the Bar for Candidates
The removal of arranged employment points has raised the bar for Express Entry candidates. Recent CRS scores for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants have been particularly high, often ranging between 507 and 549. Without the additional points from arranged employment, candidates must now rely more heavily on other factors such as age, prior Canadian work experience, education, and most significantly, language test scores. This shift emphasizes the importance of maximizing these other areas to remain competitive in the Express Entry pool.
Implications for Employers
Employers are also affected by this policy change. Without the arranged employment points, foreign workers in Canada on closed work permits may find it more challenging to transition to permanent residence through Express Entry. Employers may need to support their employees by renewing their work permits, as the pathway to permanent residence has become more difficult. This underscores the need for employers to explore alternative strategies to help their employees achieve their immigration goals.
Anticipated Changes in the Express Entry Pool
The removal of arranged employment points is expected to lower the average CRS scores in the candidate pool. Since candidates can no longer use a job offer to significantly boost their scores, the overall competitiveness of the pool may decrease. This could lead to lower CRS cut-off scores in future Express Entry draws, although the exact impact on these thresholds remains to be seen. Candidates should monitor these changes closely and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Boosting CRS Scores in the Post-Arranged Employment Era
With the removal of arranged employment points, candidates must focus on other ways to enhance their CRS scores. Language test scores have become increasingly important, as high scores on tests like IELTS, TEF, or CELPIP can provide a substantial boost. Other strategies include improving education credentials by earning additional degrees or certifications, gaining more Canadian work experience, and seeking provincial nominations through PNP streams. These remain competitive but reliable routes to higher CRS scores and permanent residence.
A Temporary Measure with Long-Term Implications
IRCC has described the removal of arranged employment points as a temporary measure, first announced in December 2024. However, no end date has been specified for this policy. While the definitions of a qualifying job offer remain largely unchanged, the absence of CRS points for arranged employment marks a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policies. As the situation evolves, candidates and employers must remain vigilant and prepared to adapt to further changes.
Key Takeaways
- Candidates in the Express Entry pool have had their CRS scores automatically updated to reflect the removal of arranged employment points.
- Those who have already received an ITA or have ongoing permanent residency applications are not affected by this change.
- A valid job offer still plays a role in meeting the eligibility criteria for certain immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Provincial Nominee Programs.
- Employers may need to support employees by renewing their work permits, given the new barriers to obtaining PR via Express Entry.
- The removal of arranged employment points is expected to lower the average CRS scores in the candidate pool, potentially leading to lower CRS cut-off scores in future draws.
- Language test scores, education, Canadian work experience, and provincial nominations are now more critical for improving CRS scores.
- The policy change is temporary, but its effects are immediate and far-reaching.
This policy shift underscores the dynamic nature of Canada’s immigration system and the need for candidates and employers to stay informed and proactive in navigating the ever-changing landscape. As IRCC continues to refine its policies, adaptability and strategic planning will be key to securing permanent residence in Canada.
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Conclusion
The removal of CRS points for arranged employment marks a significant shift in Canada’s immigration landscape, prompting candidates and employers to adapt their strategies. While the change is temporary, its impact is immediate, emphasizing the need for candidates to focus on enhancing language proficiency, education, and work experience. Employers must also explore alternative support methods for their employees. Staying informed and proactive will be crucial as the immigration system continues to evolve.
FAQ
- Why did IRCC remove CRS points for arranged employment?
- IRCC removed these points to combat fraudulent LMIAs and system misuse, effective March 25, 2025.
- How are CRS scores affected by this change?
- CRS scores have been adjusted, removing 50 or 200 points for arranged employment, making other factors like language tests more critical.
- Does this change affect current applications?
- Those who already received an ITA or have ongoing applications are unaffected; only active Express Entry profiles are impacted.
- Is a job offer still useful?
- Yes, a valid job offer still meets eligibility criteria for certain programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program and PNP streams.
- How can I improve my CRS score now?
- Focus on high language test scores, further education, Canadian work experience, and provincial nominations.
- Is this change permanent?
- It’s a temporary measure, but no end date has been set, so candidates must remain adaptable.
- How are employers impacted?
- Employers may need to support employees through work permit renewals as Express Entry becomes more challenging.
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