A major change to Canada’s Express Entry immigration system has caused a substantial drop in CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) scores across the board. The government’s decision to eliminate points awarded for arranged employment has dramatically reshaped the candidate landscape, impacting thousands of applicants vying for permanent residency.
Also Read CRS Change Reshapes Express Entry Process: Major Drop in High Scores After Policy Change
CRS Scores Recalibrated: Who’s Affected?
Until recently, job offers in Canada could give Express Entry applicants a critical edge, adding 50 to 200 points to their CRS score. But with this advantage now off the table, many profiles that once ranked near the top have lost their competitive edge.
Between March 16 and April 14, 2025, over 8,300 candidates with CRS scores above 480 were either removed or shifted to lower score ranges. The group most affected? Candidates in the 501–600 score range, which shrank by a staggering 5,740 profiles.
Score Shift: Mid-Tier Ranges See the Biggest Gains
As higher-scoring profiles dropped down the ladder, the mid-range score bands saw significant growth. The 461–470 CRS range, for instance, gained more than 2,100 candidates, likely absorbing profiles that previously scored above 500 with the help of arranged employment points.
Additional increases occurred in the 451–460 and 401–450 ranges, the latter growing by over 5,800 candidates, indicating a mass redistribution of scores.
Here’s a snapshot of some key changes during the one month:
| CRS Score Range | Change in Profiles |
| 501–600 | -5,740 |
| 491–500 | -1,618 |
| 481–490 | -984 |
| 461–470 | +2,157 |
| 451–460 | +1,750 |
| 401–450 | +5,814 |
Candidate Pool Hits New High Despite Disruption
Despite the shake-up, Canada’s Express Entry pool didn’t shrink—it actually grew. A total of 7,373 new profiles were added in the same period, pushing the total number of candidates to over 244,000—the largest size in more than a year.
Here’s how the current pool stands:
- Scores 501–600: 19,782 candidates
- Scores 451–500: 71,542 candidates
- Scores 401–450: 67,301 candidates
- Scores 351–400: 53,479 candidates
- Scores below 350: 31,362 candidates
Interestingly, even with the growth in total profiles, the number of candidates in high-scoring brackets has returned to levels similar to late 2024—indicating that the policy change is the main driver behind the shifts.
Why This Matters for Applicants
This change removes a once-powerful shortcut to boosting one’s CRS score, meaning candidates must now rely more heavily on core factors like education, language ability, and Canadian experience.
Those affected by the update may need to explore new options to remain competitive, such as:
- Retaking language exams for higher scores
- Completing additional education or certification
- Seeking a provincial nomination (PNP)
- Gaining Canadian work experience
A Turning Point for Express Entry?
The elimination of arranged employment points marks one of the most significant shifts in Express Entry since its launch. For many, this is a setback—but for others, it levels the playing field.
With more emphasis now placed on individual merit rather than employer-backed points, the Express Entry system may see more diverse and broadly skilled candidates being invited in future draws.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration approach, applicants must stay agile, informed, and ready to adapt to a more competitive and evolving environment.
