If you’re planning to make Canada your new home through the Express Entry system, you’ll want to pay close attention to the recent changes announced. As of spring 2025, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will eliminate the additional points granted to candidates with job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). But what does this mean for your application, and how can you adapt to these changes?
This article by Bluefern Immigration Services offers detailed exposition to the impacts of CRS points removal to your express entry immigration option.
Table of Contents
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- A Blast from the Past: Understanding the Old System
- What’s Changed?
- The Impact on Candidates
- So, What Can You Do to Improve Your CRS Score?
- Conclusion
A Blast from the Past: Understanding the Old System
Until recently, the Express Entry system awarded extra points to candidates with valid job offers when applying through one of the following programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These points could range from 50 to 200 in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), depending on the type of occupation. To be considered valid, the job offer had to meet various conditions, often including the requirement for an LMIA.
What’s Changed?
On December 17, 2024, Marc Miller announced that Express Entry candidates will no longer receive additional points for job offers supported by LMIA. This decision means that:
- Candidates will no longer benefit from up to 200 points in the CRS.
- All candidates will compete on more equal terms, regardless of whether or not they have a valid job offer.
The Impact on Candidates
Before this change, having a job offer was one of the most effective strategies to boost CRS scores, especially for candidates who already met eligibility criteria. Removing these points may make it more challenging for some candidates to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
So, What Can You Do to Improve Your CRS Score?
With the removal of additional points for job offers based on LMIA, it’s essential to explore other ways to improve your CRS score. Here are some effective strategies:
- Improve your language proficiency: Language proficiency is one of the most influential factors in the CRS. By increasing your score in an approved language test (such as IELTS or CELPIP), you can gain up to 60 additional points.
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- Work on your weaker official language: If you have already maximized your score in your stronger official language (usually English), consider improving your proficiency in the other official language (French). In addition to the main language score category, you can earn 50 additional points for French proficiency.
- Consider studying in Canada: Completing a study program in Canada can add significant points to your CRS score. It also facilitates gaining Canadian work experience, a highly valued factor in the system.
- Gain additional work experience: This can increase your CRS score if you are close to completing another year of work experience (in Canada or abroad). Ensure your work experience is accurately accounted for in your application.
Conclusion
The removal of points for job offers based on LMIA is a significant change in the Express Entry system. While it may seem challenging, there are several strategies you can adopt to boost your score and maximize your chances of immigrating to Canada. Stay updated on the new rules, adapt your strategy, and get ready to achieve your Canadian dream!
Planning your application? Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance on navigating these changes.