Express Entry
In a bold shift to its immigration framework, Canada has removed LMIA CRS points from the Express Entry system in 2025, signaling a significant change in how skilled workers are selected for permanent residence.
If you were depending on a valid job offer to increase your CRS score, this change could affect your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). But don’t panic—you still have multiple ways to improve your CRS score without a job offer.
In this blog, we’ll break down the latest Canada immigration news for 2025, explain what these Express Entry 2025 changes mean for you, and show you actionable steps you can take to stay competitive—even without LMIA points.
Previously, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) awarded:
50 points for an LMIA-supported job offer in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
200 points for executive roles in NOC 00
These LMIA CRS points in Express Entry gave many candidates a major boost, often making the difference between being selected and being stuck in the pool. However, as of Spring 2025, IRCC has officially removed these bonus points from the Express Entry system.
“The move aims to refocus Canada’s immigration priorities on human capital, skills, and category-based selection,” said IRCC in a recent update.
The decision to remove LMIA points from Express Entry was driven by several factors:
1. Leveling the Playing Field
Candidates with job offers often had an unfair advantage, even if they had lower education or language scores. Removing these points allows skilled workers to compete more fairly based on merit.
2. Reducing Exploitation and Fraud
There were increasing reports of fraudulent LMIAs and arranged employment abuse, where candidates paid for job offers just to boost their scores.
3. Aligning with Category-Based Selection
In 2023 and 2024, IRCC began focusing on category-based Express Entry draws—targeting sectors like healthcare, STEM, trades, and French-speaking immigrants. This new model values skills over sponsorship.
✔️ If You Had a Job Offer:
You will lose 50 to 200 CRS points, depending on your job type. This could significantly lower your ranking and affect your chances in future draws.
✔️ If You Were Planning to Get an LMIA:
You may want to reconsider that strategy, since LMIA points in Express Entry are now irrelevant. Focus instead on improving your profile in other areas, such as switching from Express Entry to a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Learn how Express Entry compares with PNP pathways here.
✔️ If You Had No Job Offer:
This is good news! Your CRS score without a job offer now holds more value, and you may find yourself moving up in the ranking pool.
The removal of LMIA points might feel like a setback, but there are still powerful ways to increase your CRS score and qualify for Express Entry in 2025.
1. Improve Your Language Scores
One of the easiest ways to increase your CRS is by boosting your IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF scores. A jump from CLB 8 to CLB 9 can add up to 50+ points.
2. Reassess Your Education Credentials
Have another degree or diploma? Get it evaluated through WES or another designated body to gain extra CRS points through your ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).
3. Maximize Your Spouse’s Profile
Spousal factors like education, language, and work experience can contribute additional points to your profile. Optimize this by including your spouse as an accompanying applicant.
4. Apply Through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Many PNPs in Canada don’t require a job offer and can give you up to 600 additional CRS points—more than an LMIA ever did!
Popular no-job-offer PNPs:
SayHomeCanada can help you find and apply for the best PNP stream based on your profile.
5. Target Category-Based Express Entry Draws
Canada is actively selecting candidates based on high-demand occupations. Focus on aligning your profile with one of the priority sectors:
Even with a lower CRS, you can receive an ITA if you qualify in one of these Express Entry 2025 categories.
While this change benefits skilled workers, Canadian employers will now rely more on work permits and LMIA-based pathways for hiring foreign talent. Express Entry will no longer give their sponsored workers a leg up in terms of points.
Employers and candidates may now have to shift toward PNP employer-driven streams or other federal programs.
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Thousands of applicants are scrambling to adjust after this latest Canada immigration news 2025.
At SayHomeCanada Immigration, we’re here to help you pivot and succeed—even without LMIA points.
✅ We offer:
Book your FREE consultation now and get expert guidance on how to win at Express Entry—without LMIA!
Final Words: Change Is an Opportunity
While the removal of LMIA CRS points may feel like a setback, it’s a call to recalibrate and re-strategize. Canada still values skilled workers deeply—and you can still become one of them.
With the right support, planning, and action, your Canadian dream is still 100% achievable.
Don’t wait. Reassess your score, explore your options, and get professional help from SayHomeCanada today.
No, LMIAs are still valid for work permit applications and other immigration streams, but they no longer provide CRS points in Express Entry as of Spring 2025. You can still work in Canada under an LMIA-supported job, but it won’t give you a CRS boost.
Yes. Once the policy takes effect, IRCC will update existing profiles by removing LMIA-related points. We strongly recommend updating your profile and re-strategizing your application as soon as possible.
Absolutely. You can gain CRS points through:
Indirectly, yes. The removal of LMIA points puts more emphasis on factors like skills, occupation, and language—all of which are important in category-based draws. If you qualify under a high-demand occupation category, you still have a strong chance even with a lower CRS.
SayHomeCanada offers:
👉 Book a free consultation today and take control of your Canadian immigration journey.
