Breaking News The End of LMIA Based Job Offer Points in Canadian Express Entry System

Canada’s immigration landscape is experiencing a major shift with the recent announcement from Immigration Minister Marc Miller regarding changes to the Canadian Express Entry system. Starting soon, Express Entry candidates will no longer receive additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for holding an LMIA-based job offer. Let’s break down what this means and how it will impact future applicants.

What is the Express Entry System?

The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. The system is designed to fast-track applications for candidates who meet the qualifications of one of three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. The core of the system lies in the CRS, which assigns points to candidates based on various factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.

How LMIA-Based Job Offers Have Impacted CRS Scores

In the past, candidates who had a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based job offer from a Canadian employer were awarded additional points in the CRS. A valid LMIA indicates that the Canadian employer has proven the need for a foreign worker, showing that no Canadian workers are available for the job. Depending on the type of job offer, candidates could receive up to 200 additional points, especially for positions in high-demand sectors or executive roles. These extra points often played a pivotal role in securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Recent Announcement from IRCC

On December 17, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that the IRCC would be removing the additional points awarded for LMIA-based job offers in the CRS. While the exact date of implementation remains unclear, this move has stirred a significant amount of attention as it fundamentally alters the Express Entry scoring system.

The Impact of the Change on LMIA-Based Job Offers

With the removal of LMIA-related points, candidates who previously relied on these extra points to boost their CRS score may find themselves in a more competitive pool. In particular, candidates with job offers in highly-skilled, executive, or specialized roles, which had awarded them 200 points, will now need to adjust their strategies. The change is expected to level the playing field, but for many applicants, it could make it harder to secure an ITA, especially in competitive draws.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Explained

To better understand the magnitude of this change, it's essential to revisit how the CRS works. The CRS assigns up to 1200 points to candidates based on a combination of:

     ▲ Core Human Capital Factors (age, education, language proficiency, and work experience): A candidate can earn up to 600 points based on these factors.
     ▲ Additional Factors (job offer, French language proficiency, Canadian education, provincial nomination): These contribute another 600 points, of which up to 200 could be earned through an LMIA-based job offer in certain cases.

The recent change eliminates the additional points for job offers, particularly those without provincial nominations or other significant factors.

Why IRCC is Making This Change

According to Minister Miller, the goal of removing LMIA-related points is to combat fraud in the immigration system. LMIA fraud, where candidates purchase fake or fraudulent job offers, has been an ongoing concern. By eliminating the incentive for candidates to rely on these points, the government hopes to ensure a more transparent and fair process for all Express Entry applicants.

Impact on Express Entry Candidates

With the removal of these points, many candidates will need to reassess their chances of receiving an ITA. Those with job offers from employers who previously helped them earn extra points may now need to focus on strengthening other areas of their profile, such as increasing their language scores or obtaining a provincial nomination. This change will likely lead to more competition in future draws, particularly for candidates with CRS scores that were previously boosted by LMIA points.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The TFWP is a major program that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when there is a shortage of local talent. The process involves obtaining an LMIA, which confirms that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labor market. While the TFWP has always been linked with LMIA, the new policy change highlights a broader trend in Canada’s immigration system towards reducing reliance on the TFWP and increasing the emphasis on skilled workers.

Recent Changes in the TFWP

In addition to the removal of LMIA points from the CRS, the TFWP has also seen some significant changes. For example, as of September, the government suspended the processing of LMIAs for low-wage workers. Moreover, the pay threshold for high-wage workers has increased. These changes indicate a shift in the federal government’s approach to temporary foreign workers, with an emphasis on ensuring that foreign workers fill roles that contribute meaningfully to the Canadian economy.

The Role of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)

The NOC is a critical component of the Canadian immigration system, as it categorizes occupations based on skills, experience, and duties. NOC codes are assigned a TEER level (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities), which determines eligibility for various immigration programs. While LMIA job offers used to provide a significant boost in CRS points, this change underscores the importance of a candidate’s NOC classification in determining their eligibility and overall ranking.

How This Change Aligns with Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025 outlines targets for temporary and permanent residents. This year’s plan includes higher targets for temporary work permits, with a focus on workers who can meet the country’s labor market needs. The recent changes to LMIA-based job offers align with these broader goals, signaling a shift towards a more balanced approach to immigration.

The Future of LMIA in Canada’s Immigration System

It’s unclear whether this will be the last change to the LMIA system. Future reforms may involve new ways to assess candidates, possibly moving towards a more merit-based system that minimizes fraud while maintaining the integrity of the immigration process.

What Candidates Can Do Next

For those impacted by this change, it’s time to adjust strategies. Candidates should focus on improving their language scores, gaining more work experience, or exploring provincial nomination programs to increase their CRS scores. Staying updated on future immigration policy changes is also crucial for long-term success in Canada’s immigration system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the removal of LMIA-based job offer points from the CRS is a major change that will affect many Express Entry candidates. While it may level the playing field, it also creates new challenges for applicants who previously relied on these points. The change is part of a broader effort by the IRCC to reduce fraud and improve the integrity of the immigration system. Applicants will need to adapt and focus on other aspects of their profile to remain competitive.