Latest News

The Elimination of Job Offer Points: A Major Shift in the Express Entry System

The Express Entry pathway, one of the most widely used immigration routes in Canada, has experienced significant changes in recent months. One of the most impactful changes, effective as of March 25, 2025, was the removal of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers. This adjustment has notably affected the Express Entry in Brampton pool, altering the CRS scores of numerous applicants. In this post, we’ll examine the effects of this change, the redistribution of profiles across score ranges, and its implications for future hopefuls seeking permanent residency in Canada (PR).

Grasping the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Before delving into the changes, it’s important to first understand how the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) works. The CRS is a points-based assessment used by Canada’s Express Entry in Brampton program to evaluate and rank individuals applying for permanent residency. Candidates earn CRS points based on factors such as their age, education, work experience, language skills, and arranged employment.

Previously, if a candidate had a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, they could earn up to 50 extra points under the “arranged employment” factor. However, with the recent modification, those 50 points for job offers have been removed from the CRS calculation. This decision is designed to better reflect the evolving labor market and to give more weight to candidates who may not have a job offer yet still possess other in-demand skills and qualifications.

Immediate Impact: A Steep Decline in CRS Scores

The removal of job offer points has resulted in a considerable drop in the CRS scores for many candidates in the Express Entry in Brampton pool. Numerous applicants who previously benefited from the additional 50 points saw their CRS scores decrease, with some losing up to 200 points. For those at the lower end of the CRS scale, this change could have meant the difference between receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence or being left out of the draw.

The greatest decrease was observed in the 501-600 CRS score range, which saw a reduction of 5,740 profiles between March 16 and April 14, 2025. These profiles were likely tied to the additional points for job offers, which were then removed, causing a sharp decline in scores. Other ranges also experienced notable declines:

• 491-500 CRS points saw a reduction of 1,618 profiles
• 481-490 CRS points experienced a decrease of 984 profiles

Altogether, the removal of the job offer points led to the exit of 8,342 profiles from the top 90th percentile of the Express Entry in Brampton pool. These profiles, assuming they have not expired, were likely redistributed to lower score ranges, altering the overall composition of the pool.

Redistribution of Profiles: A Shift to Lower Score Ranges

As higher-scoring candidates saw their CRS scores decrease, many of these profiles moved into lower score ranges within the pool. This redistribution of profiles is one of the most significant outcomes of this change. It has altered not just the standing of individual candidates, but the entire structure of the Express Entry in Brampton pool.

For instance, the 461-470 CRS score range saw an influx of 2,157 new profiles. Many of these profiles likely came from the 501-600 range, where candidates had been receiving the additional 50 points for job offers. Similarly, other ranges, such as 451-460 CRS points, saw a substantial increase in the number of candidates.

Despite the reduction in higher-scoring candidates, the overall pool still grew by 7,373 profiles between March 16 and April 14, 2025. This suggests that while many applicants lost their job offer points, other candidates, particularly those from lower score ranges, benefited from the redistribution of profiles.

The Changing Landscape of the Express Entry Pool

The removal of job offer points for arranged employment has brought about major changes in the profile distribution within the Express Entry in Brampton pool. As of April 14, 2025, the total number of profiles reached 244,282, marking the largest pool in over a year. While the growth of the pool is significant, the real story lies in the redistribution of profiles across various score ranges.

The following table illustrates the shifts in the Express Entry in Brampton pool from March 16 to April 14, 2025, across different CRS score ranges:

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates

For candidates in the Express Entry in Brampton pool, these changes have created new challenges. Those who were previously on the brink of receiving an ITA for permanent residence may now find themselves moved to lower CRS score ranges, delaying their chances of receiving an invitation. For some, the extra 50 points for arranged employment were crucial, and with these points now removed, their standing in the pool has been significantly affected.

On the other hand, candidates who were not relying on a job offer or were already in lower score ranges may find new opportunities as the profiles from higher CRS ranges are redistributed. As candidates with higher scores drop into lower rankings, those in the 461-470 CRS score range or below may see a better chance at receiving an ITA.

Additionally, the increase in the overall number of candidates in the pool means there is likely to be more competition for ITAs in the coming months. Candidates who lack a job offer may face a more difficult time securing an invitation, as they now need to compete with those who previously had an advantage due to the extra 50 points.

How Can Candidates Adapt?

Given these changes, what steps can candidates take to improve their chances of receiving an ITA?

1. Boost Language Proficiency: Language skills remain one of the most important factors in the CRS system. Candidates who can improve their language test scores can increase their CRS points without relying on job offers.
2. Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces across Canada offer their own immigration streams, which could provide additional opportunities for candidates. A provincial nomination can provide a significant boost to a candidate’s CRS score.
3. Gain More Work Experience: More work experience, particularly in industries with a high demand for skilled workers, can improve a candidate’s CRS score. Those without a job offer should focus on gaining relevant work experience that aligns with the needs of the Canadian labor market.
4. Stay Updated on Draw Patterns: Monitoring the frequency and size of Express Entry in Brampton draws is essential. Staying informed about trends in the draw sizes can help candidates strategically plan and optimize their chances of receiving an ITA.

Moving Forward

The removal of CRS points for job offers represents a significant shift in the Express Entry in Brampton program. While some candidates saw their CRS scores drop, others found new opportunities as profiles were redistributed. As the pool continues to evolve, candidates will need to be proactive by improving their skills, gaining experience, and exploring alternative pathways to permanent residence in Canada.

With a growing and increasingly competitive Express Entry in Brampton pool, staying agile and informed will be crucial for candidates to navigate this dynamic immigration landscape and enhance their chances of success.