March 25, 2025: IRCC Removes CRS Points for Job Offers in Express Entry

On March 25, 2025, the Express Entry system will officially stop awarding CRS points to candidates with valid job offers – even if they have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

The main reason: IRCC wants to prevent fraud and the illegal trafficking of LMIAs and job offers , which has become an "underground industry" affecting the fairness of the immigration system.

Specific changes:

• Before:
  • +200 CRS points for senior management positions (NOC 00)
  • +50 CRS points for other skilled occupations
• From March 25, 2025:
  • All points from the job offer will be forfeited.
  • This applies to both applications from candidates who already have a job offer in the pool and new applicants.
  • This does not affect candidates who have already received a valid Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Far-reaching implications for ICT and C11.

The two Work Permit programs that don't require an LMIA, ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) and C11 (Entrepreneur-Investor), were once gateways to improving Express Entry profiles by obtaining internal job offers. However, now that job offers no longer contribute to CRS points , the situation is different.

• Candidates awaiting ICT and C11 applications may not have sufficient CRS points to receive an ITA.
• Risk of getting "stuck" due to not meeting the eligibility requirements for applying for PR through Express Entry.
• C11 entrepreneurs will have to find a new path if they cannot achieve permanent residency.

Start-Up Visa: The only remaining glimmer of hope

In this context, the Start-Up Visa (SUV) emerges as a promising remaining option for applicants stuck with ICT, C11 visas, and even those whose Express Entry profiles are no longer competitive:

• Regardless of CRS or job offer
• This leads to direct permanent residency, without the need for an ITA.
• Even without business experience or achievements, you can still apply.
• No age limit

🌱 A pathway to transition from C11, ICT, and Express Entry to the Start-Up Visa (SUV)

🔍 1. Reassess your immigration goals:

If you:

• Currently holding a Work Permit under the ICT or C11 category or other programs.
• There are no longer any competitive CRS points in Express Entry.
• Having sufficient financial resources (approximately CAD 200,000 or more) and an IELTS score of 5.0 or higher, or an equivalent in French.

👉 You are the ideal candidate to transition to the Start-Up Visa – currently the only economic immigration PR application program that does not depend on CRS points or job offers.

🧭 2. Specific roadmap for participating in the Start-Up Visa program

Step 1: Schedule a consultation appointment

• Review the entire application (qualifications, experience, English proficiency).
• Identify the appropriate roles in a startup project (CEO, CTO, CFO, etc.).
• Prepare a plan for the whole family (spouse, children's schooling).

Step 2: Participate in a real project advised by Ontario Start-Up Studio.

• If you don't have an idea yet: join a project that has been vetted by experts at Ontario Startup Studio. Choosing the right project and receiving advice from experienced professionals is crucial to the success of your application.
• If you have a company that already qualifies for the Start-Up Visa: you will receive mentoring support and assistance in standardizing your business model.

Step 3: Receive Letter of Support from DO

• This is a required document for submitting a PR application under the SUV program.
• Choosing reputable Designated Organizations for the SUV program is crucial to ensuring success.
• Please note that all DOs are not responsible for the development, operation, and project requirements set forth by IRCC.

Step 4: Submit your PR and Work Permit applications.

• It is possible to apply for an Open Work Permit for up to 3 years while waiting for Permanent Residency (PR).
• The whole family can come along: spouse is granted an Open Work Permit, and children can attend school for free.

Step 5: Develop a real business in Canada

• A startup model must have real operations.
• With office support, expert mentorship, and a startup community at Ontario Startup Studio.