Express Entry Points Removed: Your 5 Options.

Canada’s recent decision to remove arranged employment points from the Express Entry system. The elimination of bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points has left many Express Entry applicants, self-employed individuals, entrepreneurs, investors and mature professionals feeling disappointed. Those hoping to get additional CRS points with valid job offers supported by the Labour Market Impact Assessment feel frustrated. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced this policy change, which targets a group crucial to Canada’s economy and leaves many without a clear pathway to permanent residency. This is a significant change in Canada’s immigration system.

We’ve written our opinion about this change in more detail in another article, “Job Offer Points Express Entry: A Lawyer’s Opinion on Cancellation.”

But here, we want to focus on practical options and resources on what you can do in this situation. We’ll highlight the pros and cons of each option and give you examples of success stories.

Here are five options to consider:

Option 1: Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs – Entrepreneur Streams)

Provincial Nominee Programs are a strong alternative to the Express Entry pool, particularly the entrepreneur streams in provinces like New Brunswick, Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. The removal of ‘bonus points’ for job offers in the Express Entry system means candidates now have to focus on enhancing their core attributes, making PNPs even more attractive to secure permanent residence.

These provinces conduct draws regularly. The minimum investment is as low as CAD 100,000 (USD 69,900), and there is a clear pathway to permanent residency, usually within two years.

• Pros: Clear pathway, minimal investment compared to other programs.

• Cons: The PNP Entrepreneur Stream requires relocating to a specific province (Ontario doesn’t currently have an Entrepreneur PNP stream) or a rural community. Other requirements include paper-intensive processes and spending approximately 75% of your time in that province. Proper strategy and representation are key to successfully navigating this pathway.

• Time to PR: 2-3 years (incl. the time spent running a business before provincial nomination).

• Investment: CAD 100,000-200,000

• Success Stories: “A Vietnamese Business Woman Finds Success in Alberta.” and “Immigration From Beijing to Alberta: A Success Story of Perseverance and Vision.“

Read our “Essential Guide: How to Conduct a Business Exploratory Visit to Canada” related to PNP programs.

Option 2: Start-Up Visa Program for Permanent Residency

Start-Up Visa Program supports innovative entrepreneurs to establish businesses in Canada.

• Pros: 3 year open work permit, location flexibility across Canada, up to 5 founding members (with their families if any) can apply together.

• Cons: Highly competitive (only 10 companies nominated by each Designated Organization per year), high fees charged by Designated Organizations ranging from CAD 200,000-400,000 per startup (that’s USD 140,000-280,000), risks associated with team members (if one essential team member is refused, the entire application fails).

• Time to PR: 18-24 months if in priority processing.

• Costs Per Founder (Family): CAD 150,000 (incl. lawyer’s fees).

Read our “Start-Up Visa Program Canada: A Complete SUV Guide for Startup Founders” for step-by-step instructions.

Option 3: Strengthen Your Express Entry Profile to Increase CRS Points

If you’re relatively young (under 40), have strong language skills, superior education and a high CRS score (400+), you can strategically boost your Express Entry profile through additional Canadian education, gaining additional points from your spouse’s Canadian work experience or acquiring French language proficiency. With the removal of additional CRS points and CRS points for arranged employment, Express Entry candidates now have to focus on their core attributes to strengthen their profiles.

• Pros: Cost-effective and potentially successful as CRS scores may decrease, increasing your chances of being invited to apply for PR.

• Cons: Not suitable for all profiles, involves significant uncertainty around future draws and policy shifts.

• Time to PR: 3-6 months after ITA

• Costs Per Applicant: CAD 10,000

Option 4: Wait and See For Now

Although unconventional during times of urgency, a cautious “wait and see” approach to the immigration process might be effective if your current work permit still has sufficient validity. Immigration policies change frequently, especially with upcoming federal elections and economic shifts in Canada, potentially opening up opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs and skilled workers like you.

• Pros: No additional investment required; allows business to continue without disruption.

• Cons: Significant uncertainty around future policy changes.

• Time to PR: unknown

• Costs Per Applicant: free, but status extension costs vary

Option 5: Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Application in Canada

A less common but viable path is the H&C application. Entrepreneurs who have deeply integrated into Canadian life, built substantial connections in the country, have families here and would face significant hardship if required to leave may find this option suitable.

• Pros: Addresses individual hardships and life stability in Canada.

• Cons: 40-60% success rate, highly client-specific and case-dependent, and uncertain.

• Time to PR: 2-3 years

• Costs Per Applicant: CAD 20,000

• Success Stories: “May 2024 Wins: PR in Canada for 5 Business Immigration Clients.“

While the recent changes to the immigration system have certainly added more complexity and stress, we can help you explore these options. We’re here for you during this tough time and will be with you every step of the way.

Book a Strategy Meeting here.

Quotes from Sobirovs Law Firm

“The removal of job offer points from Canada’s Express Entry system is a significant shift that impacts many future applicants, especially seasoned professionals and entrepreneurs. While this change feels like a setback, it’s also an opportunity to explore other immigration pathways—like the Provincial Nominee Programs or Start-Up Visa. A valid job offer remains valuable in other streams, and Canadian immigration still has options for those willing to adapt strategically.”

Rakhmad Sobirov, Managing Lawyer

“This is likely a temporary measure in a constantly evolving system. It’s crucial that applicants don’t lose hope. Whether you’re eligible under the federal skilled trades program, the Start-Up Visa, or a PNP entrepreneur stream, there’s a path forward. Canadian job offers may no longer bring bonus points in Express Entry, but they still matter—and we’re here to help you turn that into a long-term success.”

Feruza Djamalova, Senior Business Immigration Lawyer

“We see this policy change not just as a challenge but a wake-up call. The Canadian government aims to rebalance the system, but in doing so, they’ve made it harder for those who bring real economic value. Removing job offer points may discourage some, but provincial or territorial nomination streams and the federal skilled worker program still offer viable alternatives if approached with the right plan.”

Mariam Jammal, Business Immigration Lawyer