Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a pivotal change in the Express Entry immigration system that will affect candidates seeking Canadian permanent residency. The government will soon eliminate additional points awarded for having a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based job offer, a decision that has sparked considerable discussion among immigration consultants and prospective immigrants alike.

Overview of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based framework utilized by the Canadian government to evaluate Express Entry candidates. The scoring is based on various factors, including:

• Age
• Education
• Language proficiency
• Work experience

Candidates can earn a maximum of 600 points in core human capital factors, with an additional 600 points available through other criteria such as arranged employment, provincial nominations, and French language skills. Previously, candidates with a valid LMIA-based job offer could receive an additional 50 or 200 points, depending on the job's National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER level.

Implications of the Change

The removal of LMIA-based job offer points is expected to have a significant impact on candidates' chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The additional 50 points often played a crucial role in determining whether candidates would be invited to apply. As of December 18, 2024, the government’s online points calculator still reflects the previous scoring system, indicating that the change has not yet been implemented.

Rationale for the Change

Minister Miller articulated that this decision is part of a broader initiative to enhance the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. The government aims to mitigate the potential for LMIA fraud, which has been a growing concern. By removing the incentive for candidates to purchase an LMIA, the government seeks to foster a fairer and more transparent immigration process.

Recent Developments in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

This announcement aligns with recent modifications to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), a primary channel for Canadian employers to hire foreign workers. In September 2024, the government suspended the processing of LMIAs for the low-wage stream and increased pay requirements for the high-wage stream. Workers hired under the high-wage stream must now earn at least 20% above the median wage for their occupation in the region, a significant increase from the previous requirement of merely meeting the median wage.

Future Considerations for Candidates

As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, the government has set ambitious targets for temporary resident levels, including a goal of 82,000 net new TFWP work permits by 2025. The changes to the Express Entry system and the TFWP reflect a commitment to ensuring that Canada’s immigration framework is both effective and equitable.

For candidates currently in the Express Entry pool, it is essential to stay informed about these changes and reassess their CRS scores in light of the new regulations. As the government finalizes the implementation date for the removal of LMIA-based job offer points, candidates should explore alternative pathways to enhance their scores and improve their chances of receiving an ITA.

Conclusion

The removal of LMIA-based job offer points from the CRS signifies a substantial shift in Canada’s immigration landscape. As the government endeavors to strengthen the integrity of its immigration system, candidates must adapt to these changes and consider new strategies to secure their place in Canada. Immigration consultants play a vital role in guiding candidates through this evolving landscape, ensuring they remain informed and prepared for the challenges ahead. As the situation develops, it is crucial for all stakeholders to stay updated on further changes and implications for the Express Entry system.