In a significant policy shift, Canada’s Express Entry system saw a major change in candidate rankings after the removal of CRS points for arranged employment, effective March 25, 2025. This adjustment, which eliminated the 50–200 CRS points typically awarded to candidates with valid job offers, has caused a massive reshuffling in the Express Entry pool, affecting thousands of applicants vying for Canadian permanent residence.

🚨 What Changed in the CRS System?

Under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), points were historically awarded to candidates with arranged employment in Canada:

• 50 CRS points for most job offers

• 200 CRS points for executive-level positions

With these points removed, many Express Entry profiles saw an instant drop, significantly reducing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

📊 Impact on the Express Entry Pool

Between March 16 and April 14, 2025, the distribution of CRS scores among candidates shifted dramatically:

• 501–600 CRS range: Decreased by 5,740 profiles

• 491–500 CRS range: Decreased by 1,618 profiles

• 481–490 CRS range: Dropped by 984 profiles

These reductions point to a reallocation of candidates into lower CRS brackets as they lost their arranged employment points. Interestingly, while some high-scoring candidates dropped in ranking, the overall pool size still increased by 7,373 profiles—indicating continued interest in Canada despite tighter regulations.

🔺 The 461–470 score range saw the largest influx with +2,157 profiles, likely reflecting candidates whose scores dropped from above 500 after the change.

📌 Current Composition of the Express Entry Pool (as of April 14, 2025)

Here’s how the pool now looks:

CRS Score Range	Number of Candidates
601–1200	816
501–600	19,782
451–500	71,542
401–450	67,301
351–400	53,479
301–350	22,799
0–300	8,563
Total	244,282

These numbers confirm a growing and increasingly competitive pool, especially in the 451–500 CRS band, which holds the highest number of candidates.

🔍 Why This Matters

The removal of employment-related CRS points suggests Canada is shifting focus toward other immigration priorities, such as:

• Skills-based selection
  
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
  
• French-speaking candidates
  
• Occupation-specific draws
  

This could signal more targeted draws rather than general ones, and it places greater importance on improving CRS scores through other means—education, language skills, or provincial nominations.

🛡️ How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

Navigating the evolving immigration landscape can be overwhelming. That’s where ICC Immigration steps in as your trusted partner.

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🚀 What Should You Do Next?

With CRS scores fluctuating and competition rising, now is the time to act:

• Recalculate your CRS score based on the new rules

• Consider PNP options to boost your CRS by 600 points

• Strengthen your language proficiency and education credentials

• Get expert help from ICC to avoid costly mistakes
  

🔑 Final Thoughts

The removal of arranged employment points has reshaped the Express Entry landscape in 2025, making it more important than ever to pursue smart and strategic immigration planning. Whether you’re an international student, a skilled worker, or looking to reunite with your family, ICC Immigration provides the trusted support you need to succeed in your Canadian journey.