Since March 25, 2025, when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) removed the 50-200 CRS points previously awarded for "Arranged Employment," the Express Entry candidate pool has experienced dramatic restructuring. Thousands of high-scoring applicants saw their rankings collapse after losing these points, directly jeopardizing their chances of receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.
Sharp Decline in High-Score Candidates
Data reveals that between March 16 and April 14, 2025, the most significant impact occurred in the 501-600 CRS bracket, which lost 5,740 candidate profiles—a staggering drop. Similar declines were observed in other high-score segments:
- 491 and 500 CRS points, which saw a decrease of 1,618 profiles; and
- 481 and 490 CRS points, which saw a decrease of 984 profiles.
Cumulatively, these three brackets—traditionally comprising the top 10% of the pool—lost 8,342 profiles. Candidates who previously relied on "Arranged Employment" bonuses (assuming their profiles remained active) have now been redistributed to lower-score brackets.
Note: Figures cited within this article do not distinguish between the natural expiry and addition of Express Entry profiles and those impacted by the CRS change on 25 March 2025.
Overall Pool Growth Masks Structural Shifts
Despite the high-score exodus, the total Express Entry pool grew by 7,373 candidates during this timeframe. This paradox highlights how the policy change—not natural trends—drove the pool’s radical transformation.
Concurrently, mid-to-low-score brackets saw notable increases. The 461-470 CRS bracket surged by 2,157 profiles, likely absorbing candidates who lost 50 points from "Arranged Employment" and fell from the 500+ range.
CRS Score Bracket Changes (March 16 – April 14, 2025):
| CRS score range | Change in Express Entry 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 |
Current Pool Snapshot (April 14, 2025):
| CRS score range | Number of candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 816 |
| 501-600 | 19,782 |
| 451-500 | 71,542 |
| 491-500 | 12,093 |
| 481-490 | 12,359 |
| 471-480 | 16,215 |
| 461-470 | 16,189 |
| 451-460 | 14,686 |
| 401-450 | 67,301 |
| 441-450 | 14,131 |
| 431-440 | 14,740 |
| 421-430 | 13,084 |
| 411-420 | 13,020 |
| 401-410 | 12,326 |
| 351-400 | 53,479 |
| 301-350 | 22,799 |
| 0-300 | 8,563 |
| Total | 244,282 |
While the Express Entry pool has grown by 25,792 profiles since December 2024—reaching a 16-month peak—the elimination of "Arranged Employment" bonuses is unmistakable. Key high-score brackets (501-600, 491-500, 481-490) have now reverted to December 2024 levels, underscoring the policy’s "peak-shaving" effect on top-tier candidates.
Conclusion
The removal of "Arranged Employment" points has fundamentally reshaped Express Entry dynamics. Candidates who relied on this advantage face steeper competition, while score redistribution may open opportunities for mid-tier applicants. This shift serves as a wake-up call: enhancing holistic competitiveness remains critical to succeeding in Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.
