Massive Drop in Express Entry CRS Scores
A Big change After Canada Removes Job Offer Points
A major shift has taken place in Canada’s Express Entry system, relating so many candidates looking to get permanent residency. The Canadian government recently removed the extra points awarded for having a valid job offer (called “arranged employment”) under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). As a result, many candidates have seen their scores drop significantly—by either 50 or even 200 points—hurting their chances of getting an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Let’s break down what’s changed, who’s affected, and what the current Express Entry pool looks like now.
What Exactly Changed?
Until March 25, 2025, candidates who had a valid job offer from a Canadian employer could earn either 50 or 200 extra CRS points. These bonus points often made a huge difference in getting selected for immigration.
But with those points now gone, thousands of candidates saw their scores take a nosedive—many of them dropping below the usual cutoff needed for invitations.
How Many Candidates Were Affected?
The biggest drop happened in the 501–600 CRS score range. This range lost 5,740 profiles between March 16 and April 14, 2025.
Other high-scoring ranges also saw big losses:
- 491–500 CRS: lost 1,618 profiles
- 481–490 CRS: lost 984 profiles
Altogether, that’s 8,342 profiles that dropped from high-score ranges—many of which were likely due to the removal of job offer points.
These candidates been pushed down into lower score ranges in the pool.
But the Pool Still Grew Overall?
Yes, even with those major drops, the total number of Express Entry profiles still grew by 7,373 in that same one-month period. This means more people are applying, even if the points system has changed.
The biggest increases were in lower score brackets, especially:
- 461–470 CRS: gained 2,157 profiles
- 451–460 CRS: gained 1,750 profiles
- 401–450 CRS: saw the biggest rise, gaining 5,814 profiles
This suggests that many candidates who were previously in the higher score ranges are now showing up in these lower bands.
Express Entry Pool as of April 14, 2025
Here’s how the pool looks now by CRS score:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
| 601–1200 | 816 |
| 501–600 | 19,782 |
| 451–500 | 71,542 |
| 491–500 | 12,093 |
| 481–490 | 12,359 |
| 471–480 | 16,215 |
| 461–470 | 16,189 |
| 451–460 | 14,686 |
| 401–450 | 67,301 |
| 441–450 | 14,131 |
| 431–440 | 14,740 |
| 421–430 | 13,084 |
| 411–420 | 13,020 |
| 401–410 | 12,326 |
| 351–400 | 53,479 |
| 301–350 | 22,799 |
| 0–300 | 8,563 |
| Total | 244,282 |
This is the largest candidate pool Canada has seen in over a year.
What Does This Mean for Applicants?
Even though the pool has grown, the number of high-scoring profiles (especially those above 480) has returned to levels similar to what we saw back in December 2024. That’s surprising, considering how much the total number of candidates has grown since then.
If someone was relying on job offer points to boost your score, it’s now more important than ever to focus on other ways to improve. Focus on improving language test scores, gaining more work experience, or pursuing a provincial nomination.
Conclusion
This recent change has reshuffled the entire Express Entry scenario. While some candidates might now find it harder to reach the top of the pool, others may find themselves better positioned as the score distribution becomes more balanced.
If you’re in the Express Entry system or planning to enter, make sure to recalculate your CRS score and adjust your strategy. The rules of the game just changed—and staying informed is key.
Check your updated CRS score today or share your CV with Asif Consulting and see where you stand!
