Canada to Remove LMIA-Based Job Offer Points from Express Entry System

In a significant policy shift, candidates applying for Canadian permanent residency through the Express Entry system will no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this change on December 17, sparking discussions among aspiring immigrants and immigration consultants.

What Does This Mean for Express Entry Candidates?

Previously, candidates could earn an extra 50 or 200 CRS points for LMIA-based job offers, depending on the National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER level of the job. This point boost often played a critical role in determining whether a candidate would receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

For instance:

• 50 Points: Awarded for arranged employment in most NOC TEER categories.
• 200 Points: Granted for senior-level positions in NOC TEER 0 occupations, such as executive roles.

With this adjustment, candidates relying on these additional points may need to explore alternative strategies to improve their CRS scores.

Understanding the CRS System

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used by the Canadian government to rank Express Entry profiles. Scores are based on several factors:

• Core Human Capital: Age, education, language proficiency, and work experience, accounting for up to 600 points.
• Additional Points: Up to 600 points for factors like provincial nominations, Canadian education, French language skills, or having a sibling in Canada.

This policy change will eliminate additional points for arranged employment, impacting candidates aiming for higher scores through job offers.

Why the Change?

According to Minister Marc Miller, the removal of LMIA-based job offer points aims to reduce fraud and strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. By eliminating the incentive for candidates to purchase LMIAs, the government seeks to promote fairness and transparency within the Express Entry framework.

“This measure is expected to remove the incentive for candidates to purchase an LMIA, resulting in increased fairness and integrity in Express Entry,” Miller stated.

Current Status and Timeline

As of December 18, the government’s online CRS calculator still reflects the additional points for LMIA-based job offers. However, the exact implementation date for this change remains unclear. Candidates are advised to monitor updates closely.

Implications for Skilled Workers

For candidates affected by this change, the focus will shift to other strategies for boosting CRS scores, such as:

• Improving language test results.
• Gaining additional work experience.
• Pursuing further education in Canada.
• Securing a provincial or territorial nomination.

Updates on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

This announcement aligns with recent changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):

• Suspension of Low-Wage Stream LMIAs: Processing was halted in September 2024.
• Higher Wage Requirements: Workers in the high-wage stream must now earn 20% above the median wage for their occupation, effective November 2024.

These measures reflect the government’s commitment to refining Canada’s immigration policies, as outlined in the latest Immigration Levels Plan. The plan includes a target of 82,000 net new TFWP work permits by 2025.

Next Steps for Candidates

• Review Your CRS Score: Re-evaluate your CRS score without the bonus points for your job offer.
• Explore Alternative Pathways: Consider alternative pathways to Canadian permanent residency, such as provincial nomination programs or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding this policy change and its implementation.

Conclusion

The removal of additional CRS points for LMIA-based job offers represents a major shift in Canada’s immigration landscape. While this may pose challenges for some candidates, it underscores the government’s efforts to ensure a fair and transparent immigration system. Prospective immigrants are encouraged to explore other pathways and stay updated on further developments in Canadian immigration policies.