The Removal of Arranged Employment Points: A Major Change in the Express Entry System

The Express Entry system, one of Canada’s key immigration pathways, has undergone significant changes in recent months. One of the most notable changes, effective as of March 25, 2025, was the removal of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment. This policy adjustment has had a profound impact on the composition of the Express Entry in Winnipeg pool and, more importantly, on the CRS scores of candidates. In this blog, we’ll explore the effects of this change, the redistribution of profiles across score ranges, and what it means for future candidates seeking Canadian permanent residence (PR).

Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Before diving into the changes, it’s important to understand the basics of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS is the points-based system used by Canada’s Express Entry in Winnipeg program to assess and rank candidates who wish to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Candidates are assigned a CRS score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and arranged employment. Arranged employment was one of the key components that could boost a candidate’s CRS score. If a candidate had a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, they could receive up to 50 additional points, depending on the circumstances. However, with the recent changes, these 50 points for arranged employment have been eliminated from the CRS score calculation. This change is aimed at aligning the system more closely with the current labor market and improving opportunities for those who may not have a pre-arranged job offer but possess other desirable skills and experience.

Immediate Impact: A Sharp Drop in CRS Scores

The removal of points for arranged employment has led to a significant decrease in the CRS scores of many candidates in the Express Entry in Winnipeg pool. Thousands of candidates who had previously benefited from the additional 50 points found their scores dropping, with some losing as much as 200 points. For candidates with scores on the lower end of the CRS scale, this change may have meant the difference between being invited to apply (ITA) for permanent residence and being left out of the selection pool. The biggest decrease was seen in the 501-600 CRS score range, which experienced a reduction of 5,740 profiles between March 16 and April 14, 2025. Candidates within this range were most likely to have received additional points for arranged employment before the policy change, and without those points, their CRS scores dropped significantly. Other score ranges also saw notable decreases:

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

In total, the removal of arranged employment points led to a loss of 8,342 profiles from the top 90th percentile of the Express Entry in Winnipeg pool. These profiles, assuming they haven’t expired, were likely redistributed to lower score ranges, further impacting the overall pool composition.

Redistribution of Profiles: Candidates Shift to Lower Score Ranges

With the reduction in CRS scores among candidates who had previously held higher scores, many of these profiles were redistributed to lower score ranges within the pool. The redistribution of profiles to lower score ranges is one of the key effects of this policy change. It highlights how the removal of arranged employment points has affected not only the individual candidates but also the overall composition of the Express Entry in Winnipeg pool. For example, the 461-470 CRS score range saw a sharp increase in profiles, with 2,157 new profiles added. Many of these profiles likely came from the 501-600 range, where candidates had previously benefited from the additional points for arranged employment. Similarly, other score ranges, such as 451-460 CRS points, saw a substantial increase in the number of profiles. Despite the drop in higher CRS ranges, the overall candidate pool still grew by a total of 7,373 profiles between March 16 and April 14, 2025. This indicates that while many candidates lost their arranged employment points, others, including those who may have been in lower score ranges, benefited from the shift in the pool’s composition.

The Changing Face of the Express Entry Pool

The removal of CRS points for arranged employment has brought about significant changes to the profile distribution within the Express Entry in Winnipeg pool. The pool is now larger than it has been in over a year, with a total of 244,282 candidates as of April 14, 2025. This growth, while notable, masks the shifts within specific score ranges. The following table showcases the changes in Express Entry in Winnipeg profiles from March 16 to April 14, 2025, across different CRS score ranges:

CRS Score Range	Change in Profiles
601-1200	+123
501-600	-5,740
451-500	+1,487
491-500	-1,618
481-490	-984
471-480	+182
461-470	+2,157
451-460	+1,750
401-450	+5,814
441-450	+1,817
431-440	+1,722
421-430	+1,465
411-420	+1,101
401-410	-291
351-400	+1,677
301-350	+1,496
0-300	+2,516
Total	+7,373

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates

For candidates in the Express Entry in Winnipeg pool, the recent changes have introduced a new level of uncertainty. Those who were previously close to receiving an ITA for permanent residence may now find themselves pushed into lower CRS score ranges, further delaying their chances of receiving an invitation. For some, the additional 50 points for arranged employment were critical, and without those points, their chances of success have been significantly reduced. However, there is a silver lining for certain candidates. For those who did not have arranged employment or were already in lower score ranges, the redistribution of profiles may have created new opportunities. As higher-scoring candidates move down the rankings, there may be more room for candidates with scores in the 460-470 range or below to receive an ITA. Additionally, the increased number of candidates in the pool, coupled with the removal of arranged employment points, could lead to greater competition for ITAs in the future. Candidates who do not have a job offer may find it more challenging to secure an invitation, as they now face stronger competition from candidates who may have previously been at an advantage.

How Can Candidates Adapt?

So, what can candidates do to adapt to these changes and improve their chances of receiving an ITA?

1. Improve Language Skills: Language proficiency is one of the most important factors in the CRS scoring system. Candidates who can improve their language test scores can increase their CRS points without relying on arranged employment.
2. Seek Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Many provinces in Canada have their own immigration programs, which can provide additional opportunities for candidates to receive an ITA. Provincial nominations can add significant points to a candidate's CRS score.
3. Gain More Work Experience: Additional work experience, particularly in high-demand fields, can improve a candidate’s CRS score. Those without a job offer should focus on acquiring work experience that aligns with Canada’s labor market needs.
4. Monitor Changes in Express Entry Draws: The frequency and size of Express Entry in Winnipeg draws can vary, and staying up to date on draw patterns can help candidates plan their next steps effectively.

Moving Forward

The removal of CRS points for arranged employment represents a major shift in the Express Entry in Winnipeg system, and its effects are still being felt across the candidate pool. While some candidates have seen their scores drop drastically, others may find new opportunities in lower CRS score ranges. As the composition of the pool continues to evolve, it will be crucial for candidates to adapt to these changes by improving their skills, gaining more experience, and exploring alternative pathways to Canadian permanent residence. With the increasing size and complexity of the Express Entry in Winnipeg pool, candidates must remain proactive and strategic in their approach to immigration to maximize their chances of success. As always, staying informed and agile will be key to navigating Canada’s dynamic immigration system.