Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the removal of additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for having a job offer under Express Entry.
As part of ongoing efforts to combat and reduce fraud, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the change on Tuesday, December 17.
“This temporary measure will reduce fraud by removing the incentive to illegally buy or sell labour market impact assessments to improve a candidate’s chances of being selected to come to Canada as a permanent resident. This change will come into effect in spring 2025.
“Once they take effect, the changes will impact candidates pursuing permanent residence through the Express Entry system, including those currently working in Canada temporarily.
Miller further noted that the changes will not affect candidates who have already been invited to apply or those with an application in progress.
“Once the change is introduced, it will apply to all candidates with job offers in the pool, as well as new candidates entering the pool.
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“Immigration is essential to our country’s economic success and growth. As we continue to welcome newcomers to support key sectors, the Express Entry system ensures that Canada has the skilled workers it needs to grow our economy. These changes support a responsive, well-managed, and fair immigration system,” he said.
Before this change, Express Entry candidates could receive an additional 50 or 200 CRS points for having an LMIA-based job offer.
An additional 50 points could often mean the difference between receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency or not being invited at all.
