For thousands of hopeful immigrants worldwide, Canada has long been a beacon of opportunity, offering a chance at a stable, prosperous future. Many Nigerians and young professionals from across the globe have relied on Canada’s Express Entry system as a pathway to permanent residency, seeing it as a lifeline to escape economic hardship and build a legacy for their families. However, a major shift has just been announced one that could make the journey to Canadian permanent residency significantly more challenging.
In a sudden and impactful policy change, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that, effective March 25, 2025, bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers will no longer be awarded to Express Entry candidates. This decision marks a crucial turning point for skilled workers who previously benefited from additional ranking points for having arranged employment. Many candidates who were banking on these extra points to boost their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) are now facing an uncertain road ahead.
How the New Policy Affects Express Entry Candidates
Under the previous rules, candidates with a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) could earn up to 200 CRS points for senior management positions and 50 points for other skilled job offers. These bonus points provided a significant advantage, often pushing candidates higher in the ranking system and increasing their chances of receiving an ITA. Now, with this benefit eliminated, many applicants will have to rely solely on factors such as language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience to secure their spot in the Express Entry draws.
This change applies to both existing candidates in the Express Entry pool and those who plan to submit applications in the future. The updated Ministerial Instructions, released on March 25, 2025, still define what constitutes a valid job offer but no longer award extra CRS points for having one. For those who depended on these bonus points, the impact is immediate. While candidates who have already received an ITA will not be affected, those still waiting in the pool will see their scores adjusted automatically, potentially lowering their ranking.
Why Canada is Removing Bonus Points for Job Offers
IRCC has not explicitly outlined the full reasoning behind this decision, but several theories have emerged. One possible explanation is that the government wants to create a more level playing field, ensuring that Express Entry candidates are ranked based on their overall qualifications rather than their ability to secure a job offer. By prioritizing education, work experience, and language skills, Canada may be shifting toward a system that values long-term adaptability over employer-backed applications.
Another potential reason is the increasing concern over fraudulent job offers and misused LMIA approvals. Reports indicate that some candidates have used questionable job offers to artificially boost their CRS scores, leading IRCC to take steps to address integrity issues in the system. Additionally, economic factors may have influenced the change, as Canada’s labor market continues to evolve, with some industries experiencing shifts in demand for skilled workers. By removing the job offer bonus, Canada may be encouraging candidates to qualify based on merit rather than employer sponsorship.
What This Means for Aspiring Immigrants
For Nigerians and other international candidates who had hoped to use a job offer as a stepping stone to permanent residency, this policy shift presents new challenges. Many applicants had secured Canadian job offers to gain an advantage in the Express Entry system, and now, without the additional CRS points, they will need to find alternative ways to strengthen their profiles.
While job offers will still play a role in certain immigration programs like the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), they will no longer provide extra points under Express Entry. This means that candidates must now focus on improving their core CRS factors to remain competitive in the pool.
How Candidates Can Adapt to the New System
With job offer points removed, candidates must now explore other ways to maximize their CRS scores and improve their chances of receiving an ITA. Some key strategies include enhancing language proficiency, obtaining higher educational qualifications, and gaining additional Canadian work experience. A strong language test score, for example, can significantly boost an applicant’s ranking, while completing a diploma or degree in Canada can also add valuable points.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) remain a powerful alternative, as a nomination from a province can add 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA. Many provinces prioritize candidates with specific skills or work experience that align with their labor market needs, making PNPs an attractive option for those affected by this change.
For Nigerians and other foreign professionals looking to migrate, this shift in policy highlights the need for strategic immigration planning. It is no longer enough to rely on a job offer applicants must now build well-rounded profiles that showcase their ability to contribute to Canada’s economy in the long run.
The Future of Canada’s Express Entry System
This major change is a clear indication that Canada is evolving its immigration policies to better align with national priorities. While some candidates may view this as a setback, others see it as an opportunity to focus on more sustainable pathways to permanent residency.
For those still in the Express Entry pool, the coming months will be crucial in determining how this policy change affects overall CRS score distributions and ITA cutoff thresholds. Applicants who were previously dependent on job offers must now reassess their profiles, make necessary improvements, and explore alternative immigration programs to increase their chances of success.
Final Thoughts
The removal of bonus ranking points for job offers in the Express Entry system is a game-changing move that will reshape Canada’s immigration landscape. As the country shifts its focus toward long-term skills and qualifications, aspiring immigrants must adapt to the new rules and find innovative ways to strengthen their applications.
For Nigerians and young professionals who see Canada as a land of opportunity, this policy change underscores the importance of staying informed and proactive. The dream of building a better future in Canada is still alive, but success will now depend on strategic planning, academic achievements, work experience, and a deep understanding of the evolving immigration system.
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