LMIA Express Entry Changes 2025: What You Need to Know
- Ahsan Chaudhry
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
Canada has recently introduced major updates to its Express Entry system that directly impact LMIA-supported job offers. As of March 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has removed the CRS points for arranged employment, including those supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This blog explains how these changes affect immigration candidates and how Brace Law can support your journey.
What Is an LMIA Job Offer in Canada?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that employers in Canada may need before hiring a foreign worker. When a job offer is backed by an approved LMIA, it was previously considered a strong advantage under the Express Entry system, adding 50 to 200 CRS points to a candidate’s profile.
Many applicants relied on an LMIA job offer in Canada to increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. But that has now changed.
LMIA Express Entry Changes 2025: What Has Changed?
The biggest update is that arranged employment CRS points have been removed. Until now, Express Entry candidates received:
50 CRS points for a valid job offer in a NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3 job
200 CRS points for a job offer in a senior management position (TEER 0)
As of March 25, 2025, these CRS points for job offers in Canada no longer apply. This means candidates with an LMIA-based job offer will not receive extra points in the Express Entry draw.
Why Did IRCC Remove CRS Points for Arranged Employment?
According to IRCC, this change helps reduce the misuse of LMIA job offers. The government wants to prevent cases where candidates pay for job offers, which is illegal in Canada.
The new system focuses more on human capital factors like age, education, language ability, and work experience rather than job offers. It encourages fairness and ensures that the Express Entry system reflects the best candidates without manipulation.
Who Is Affected by These CRS Score Changes?
The LMIA Express Entry changes in 2025 will impact many skilled workers applying for permanent residence in Canada.
Candidates With LMIA Job Offers
If you relied on an LMIA-supported offer to boost your CRS score, you may now fall below the cutoff in future Express Entry draws. For example:
A candidate with a CRS score of 480 plus 50 points for a job offer (total 530) will now remain at 480
This can affect your ranking in the pool and delay or block your ITA
Candidates Without Job Offers
If you applied through Express Entry without a job offer, this change may help you. Since fewer candidates will have artificially boosted scores, you may now be more competitive in the pool.
Express Entry Without Job Offer in 2025: Is It Still Worth Applying?
Yes. Many candidates have successfully immigrated through Express Entry without a job offer. You can now focus on:
Improving your language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP)
Gaining more skilled work experience in Canada
Completing additional education or credential assessments
Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
At Brace Law, we help clients identify strong pathways to permanent residence. Even if you do not have a job offer, you may still qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or a PNP stream.
How Brace Law Helps You Navigate LMIA and Express Entry Changes
With offices in Oakville, Vaughan, and the Hamilton region, Brace Law is your trusted legal partner for immigration matters. Our immigration lawyers stay updated with the latest Canada immigration news and provide legal advice tailored to your unique situation.
We offer:
Express Entry profile evaluations
Strategies for improving CRS scores without relying on arranged employment
Help with understanding LMIA requirements and job offers
Guidance through PNP applications and alternatives to Express Entry
Transparent, client-first legal support from licensed Canadian immigration professionals
Stay Updated on Canada Immigration News 2025 With Brace Law
This year’s LMIA Express Entry changes are just one example of how immigration rules can shift quickly. Working with a knowledgeable team like Brace Law ensures that you are always one step ahead.
Whether you have questions about arranged employment CRS points, need help applying for permanent residence, or want to explore Express Entry without a job offer, we are here to guide you.
What Should You Do Next?
If you were depending on CRS points from an LMIA job offer in Canada, it is time to reassess your strategy. These changes may seem discouraging, but they also open doors for candidates who bring value to the Canadian labour market in other ways.
Contact Brace Law today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration lawyers. We will help you understand your options and take confident steps toward Canadian permanent residence.
Book a Consultation Today
Contact Brace Law today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Immigration Lawyer in Ontario. Our team is ready to assist you with all your immigration needs in Oakville, Vaughan, and the Hamilton region. We will help you understand your options and take confident steps toward Canadian permanent residence.
📍 Our Oakville Law Office (Main Office): 2939 Portland Dr Unit 202, Oakville, ON L6H 5S4
📍 Our Vaughan Law Office: 3883 Highway 7 Road, Unit 220, Vaughan, ON L4L 6B9
📍 Our Hamilton Law Office: 96 King Street West, Dundas, Hamilton, ON, L9H 2V6
📞 Call Us: (905) 815-6555
📧 Email: staff@bracelaw.ca
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal policies and regulations change frequently, and every case is unique. For personalized legal guidance tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified lawyer.
