Indian professionals aiming to migrate to Canada for better job opportunities may face new hurdles following significant updates to the country’s Express Entry immigration system. The Canadian government has announced changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which determines eligibility for permanent residency programs.

Under the new rules, candidates will no longer receive additional CRS points for having a valid job offer. These changes, expected to take effect in the spring of 2025, will impact those pursuing permanent residency through the Express Entry system, including temporary workers already in Canada.

Why the Changes Were Introduced

The government stated that the decision is a temporary measure designed to curb fraudulent immigration practices. By removing the incentive to illegally buy or sell labour market impact assessments (LMIA) to secure CRS points, Canada aims to uphold the integrity of its immigration process.

“We are taking important steps to reduce fraud while continuing to attract the skilled talent our economy needs,” said Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship.

He added, “Immigration has always been a cornerstone of Canada's success, and we remain committed to welcoming the best and brightest to Canada so that everyone has access to the quality jobs, homes, and support they need to thrive.”

Who Will Be Affected?

The removal of CRS points for job offers is expected to significantly impact:

• Indian Professionals:
• Temporary Workers in Canada:
• Aspiring Immigrants Without Job Offers:

The Bigger Picture

While the removal of job offer points is designed to address fraud, the Canadian government remains committed to attracting global talent to meet the needs of its economy. These changes underscore a broader effort to ensure fairness and transparency in the immigration system, while still welcoming skilled professionals to contribute to Canada’s success.

The new rules are set to take effect in early 2025, giving prospective immigrants time to reassess their plans and strengthen their applications under the updated system.