The Effect of CRS Points Removal for Job Offers on the Express Entry in Surrey BC
The Elimination of Job Offer Points: A Major Shift in the Express Entry System
The Express Entry pathway, one of the most commonly used immigration routes in Canada, has seen important changes in recent months. One of the most notable adjustments, effective as of March 25, 2025, was the removal of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers. This update has impacted the Express Entry in Surrey BC pool, influencing the CRS scores of numerous applicants. In this article, we’ll explore the implications of this change, shifts across score ranges, and how it affects individuals pursuing permanent residency in Canada (PR).
Grasping the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Before examining the changes, it’s helpful to understand how the CRS operates. This system is used by Canada’s Express Entry in Surrey BC stream to assess and rank candidates applying for PR. Points are allocated based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and previously—arranged employment.
Historically, candidates with a valid job offer from a Canadian employer could gain up to 50 additional CRS points. With the recent update, these points have been removed. This modification reflects the changing labor market and places more emphasis on applicants with a broad skill set even without employment offers in hand.
Immediate Impact: A Steep Decline in CRS Scores
The elimination of job offer points caused a considerable drop in CRS scores for many candidates in the Express Entry in Surrey BC pool. Those who previously benefited from the extra 50 points saw their scores decline—some losing as much as 200 points. For individuals on the lower end of the CRS spectrum, this drop could mean missing an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR.
A major decrease occurred in the 501-600 CRS score range, which saw a decline of 5,740 profiles between March 16 and April 14, 2025. These profiles were likely reliant on the additional job offer points. Additional decreases were recorded in other ranges:
- 491–500 CRS points saw a reduction of 1,618 profiles
- 481–490 CRS points experienced a decrease of 984 profiles
In total, 8,342 profiles were affected in the higher brackets of the Express Entry in Surrey BC pool. These profiles, unless expired, have been redistributed to lower CRS ranges, altering the pool’s structure.
Redistribution of Profiles: A Shift to Lower Score Ranges
As candidates with previously higher scores dropped into lower ranges, this reshuffling led to a noticeable shift. The composition of the Express Entry in Surrey BC pool has changed significantly, impacting how future ITAs may be distributed.
The 461–470 CRS score range, for instance, grew by 2,157 new profiles—many of which were likely displaced from the 501–600 bracket. Similar increases occurred in other bands, such as:
- 451–460 CRS points (+1,750 profiles)
Despite these changes, the overall size of the pool grew by 7,373 profiles during this period. This indicates that while many lost CRS points, new or adjusted profiles from lower ranges filled the gap, maintaining momentum within the Express Entry in Surrey BC system.
The Changing Landscape of the Express Entry Pool
The removal of points for arranged employment has brought about a reconfiguration of the Express Entry in Surrey BC profile distribution. As of April 14, 2025, the pool consisted of 244,282 profiles—the largest total in over a year. However, the true impact lies in how these profiles are spread across the CRS spectrum.
| 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 those within the Express Entry in Surrey BC pool, the removal of job offer points creates both setbacks and openings. Individuals once on the edge of securing an ITA may now find themselves further down the list. The additional 50 points many counted on are no longer part of the scoring system, directly influencing their chances.
At the same time, candidates who were not dependent on arranged employment—particularly those in mid-range CRS brackets—might benefit. As high-scoring profiles fall into lower ranges, some individuals may now find themselves closer to the cutoff in upcoming draws.
However, with an increase in the total number of candidates in the Express Entry in Surrey BC pool, competition is expected to rise. Those without a job offer must now compete more directly with candidates who previously had a scoring advantage.
How Can Candidates Adapt?
To remain competitive in the Express Entry in Surrey BC process, applicants can focus on a few strategies to strengthen their profiles:
- Enhance Language Proficiency
Improving scores in English or French proficiency tests can yield substantial CRS gains. - Investigate Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Some PNPs offer pathways that provide additional CRS points, offering an alternative route for PR. - Increase Relevant Work Experience
Gaining further experience—especially in occupations aligned with current Canadian demand—can positively impact CRS standings. - Monitor Draw Patterns
Keeping track of draw scores and frequencies in the Express Entry in Surrey BC stream can guide candidates in anticipating and preparing for selection trends.
Moving Forward
The removal of CRS points for job offers marks a shift in how Canada evaluates candidates under Express Entry in Surrey BC. While some have seen their standing decline, the redistribution of profiles has also opened potential pathways for others.
As the system adapts to this change, it’s important for applicants to remain engaged, assess their strengths, and take actionable steps to improve their profile within the Express Entry in Surrey BC pool.
