Canada will no longer award extra points for job offers in Express Entry System from Spring 2025

In a move aimed at bolstering the integrity of its immigration system, the Government of Canada has announced a significant change to its Express Entry program. Starting spring 2025, candidates applying for permanent residency under this system will no longer receive additional points for having a job offer.“We are taking important steps to reduce fraud while continuing to attract the skilled talent our economy needs. Immigration has always been a cornerstone of Canada’s success, and we remain committed to welcoming the best and brightest to Canada so that everyone has access to the quality jobs, homes and supports they need to thrive.” Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said.

Once implemented, the change will affect all Express Entry candidates, including those currently working in Canada temporarily. However, candidates who have already received invitations to apply or have applications in progress will remain unaffected. The measure will apply uniformly to all candidates with job offers, both existing and new, within the Express Entry pool.

Express Entry, Canada’s flagship immigration system, manages applications for permanent residency through programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and certain streams of the Provincial Nominee Program.

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Implications for Indian applicants

India continues to dominate Express Entry invitations, with 52,106 Indian nationals receiving invitations to apply for permanent residency in 2023—47.2% of the total invites issued that year. The removal of job-offer points, which currently provide an additional 50 to 200 points, could present challenges for genuine applicants from India and other countries.

This initiative builds on previous efforts to refine Canada’s immigration system. In June 2022, amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act allowed the government to prioritize immigrants with specific skills or attributes, such as French language proficiency or experience in key economic sectors.