Breaking: The Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System will no longer use LMIA-based job offer points, according to the IRCC.

 

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Changes to Express Entry CRS: What You Need to Know
3. The Role of LMIA in Express Entry
4. New Immigration Policy: The Rationale Behind Removing LMIA-based Points
5. How These Changes Affect Express Entry Candidates
6. Impact on Canada Immigration and the Labour Market
7. Wave Immigration Consultant: Your Guide to Navigating Canada Immigration
8. The Best Immigration Consultant in Delhi/NCR
9. Conclusion

Introduction

In a significant development for Express Entry candidates seeking Canadian permanent residency, the Canadian government has announced changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Effective soon, candidates will no longer receive additional points for having a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based job offer. This change has the potential to impact the way Express Entry applicants approach their immigration strategy.

At Wave Immigration Consultant, we help you understand the latest immigration policies and navigate the complexities of Canada immigration. If you’re looking to optimize your CRS score or need guidance on how to adapt to these changes, we are here to assist.

Let’s take a deeper dive into this latest shift in Canada’s immigration system.

Changes to Express Entry CRS: What You Need to Know

On December 17, 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a major update to Canada’s Express Entry system, particularly affecting candidates with LMIA-based job offers. Previously, having a valid LMIA-supported job offer could earn candidates an additional 50 or 200 points in the CRS, potentially making the difference between receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency or not.

The Canadian government has decided to remove this advantage, intending to reduce fraud and ensure that Express Entry remains a fair system. Although the exact date of implementation is still unclear, candidates can expect these changes to take effect soon.

The Role of LMIA in Express Entry

Under the current system, Express Entry candidates could receive additional CRS points for job offers supported by an LMIA, which is a document employers obtain to hire foreign workers. If the employer had an LMIA for a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0 job, such as executive or high-level managerial roles, candidates could gain up to 200 CRS points. For other occupations under NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3, candidates could get 50 points.

These extra points made it easier for some candidates to secure an ITA, especially during draws with higher CRS cut-offs, as seen throughout 2024.

New Immigration Policy: The Rationale Behind Removing LMIA-based Points

The rationale behind removing LMIA-based points from the Express Entry system is twofold.

1. Reducing LMIA Fraud: One of the government’s key motivations is to mitigate the risk of fraud in the immigration process. The previous system encouraged candidates to purchase LMIAs from unscrupulous employers or middlemen, undermining the integrity of the immigration system.
2. Strengthening System Integrity: By eliminating this advantage, Canada aims to ensure that candidates are selected based on their skills, qualifications, and experience rather than their ability to secure a job offer tied to an LMIA. This approach aligns more closely with the Canadian immigration policy’s broader goals of attracting talent based on merit.

Minister Marc Miller emphasized that this change would make the system fairer and more transparent.

How These Changes Affect Express Entry Candidates

The elimination of LMIA-based points will have significant implications for many Express Entry candidates. Here’s how:

1. Increased Competition: Candidates who previously relied on LMIA-based job offers to boost their CRS scores will now face more competition for ITAs. Without these extra points, their scores will be entirely dependent on their core human capital factors, such as age, language proficiency, education, and work experience.
2. New Pathways to Success: Candidates can still gain additional points in other ways, such as through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), French language proficiency, or post-secondary education in Canada. It’s crucial to reassess your profile and explore other ways to increase your CRS score.
3. Potential Impact on Employers: Employers looking to hire foreign workers may now need to consider alternate methods, such as leveraging PNPs, to bring talent to Canada, especially for high-skill positions.

Impact on Canada Immigration and the Labour Market

The removal of LMIA-based points will affect not just candidates but also the broader labour market.

• Employers in High-Skill Sectors will have to rely more heavily on other avenues, such as provincial nominations or international agreements, to hire foreign talent.
• For the Canadian Labour Market, this change could also mean an increased focus on improving domestic hiring and training, while reducing the potential for exploitation within the LMIA process.
• Impact on Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): The Temporary Foreign Worker Program has already undergone changes this year, including suspending the low-wage stream and tightening wage requirements for the high-wage stream. These developments show that Canada is becoming more selective about who it allows into its workforce, which could have long-term impacts on the country’s economic landscape.

Wave Immigration Consultant: Your Guide to Navigating Canada Immigration

At Wave Immigration Consultant, we understand that the changing landscape of Canada immigration can feel overwhelming. As the best immigration consultant in Delhi/NCR, we are committed to providing personalized and up-to-date guidance to ensure your immigration journey is as smooth as possible.

Whether you’re interested in Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or any other immigration pathways, our expert team will help you assess your eligibility, maximize your CRS score, and make strategic decisions based on the latest policy changes.

The Best Immigration Consultant in Delhi/NCR

Choosing the right immigration consultant is crucial for your Canada immigration success. Wave Visas is recognized as the best immigration consultant in Delhi/NCR, known for its transparent services, ethical approach, and commitment to helping clients achieve their dreams of Canadian permanent residency. With years of experience and a deep understanding of immigration law, we provide tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.

Our team is here to guide you through the complex Express Entry process, provide strategies for boosting your CRS score, and ensure you have all the resources you need to succeed.

Conclusion

The recent changes to the Express Entry system mark a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policy, particularly for candidates with LMIA-based job offers. While these changes may pose challenges for some, they also present new opportunities for those with strong core human capital factors and other forms of qualifying experience.

For those navigating these changes, partnering with the right immigration consultant can make all the difference. Wave Immigration Consultant is here to provide expert advice and strategic support throughout your Canada immigration journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you adapt to these changes and maximize your chances of success.

Visit- Corporate Office : 2nd Floor, Right Side, Building №5, Kehar Singh Estate Westend Marg, Lane №2, Saidulajab, Saket New Delhi 110030.

https://wavevisas.com/canada-immigration