LMIA Job Offer Points Eliminated In Express Entry

This was expected and it happened!. The removal of job offer points in Canada’s Express Entry system, effective Spring 2025, marks a significant shift in the country’s immigration policy. This change, announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller in December 2024, aims to address fraud, promote fairness, and prioritize candidates based on their skills and qualifications rather than job offers. Below is a comprehensive analysis of this policy change, its implications, and its broader context.

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1. Background and Rationale for the Change

The Express Entry system currently awards 50 or 200 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to candidates with valid job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). These points often determine whether a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. However, the system has been exploited by fraudulent actors who illegally buy or sell LMIAs to inflate CRS scores.

The removal of these points is a temporary measure designed to:

• Combat Fraud: Eliminate incentives for fraudulent LMIA practices, which have undermined the integrity of the immigration system.
• Promote Merit-Based Selection: Shift focus to human capital factors such as education, language proficiency, and work experience, ensuring a more equitable selection process.
• Streamline the System: Reduce administrative burdens and align the Express Entry system with Canada’s evolving labor market needs.

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2. Key Details of the Policy Change

• Effective Date: Spring 2025 (specific date not yet announced).
• Scope: Applies to all new and existing candidates in the Express Entry pool, including temporary workers in Canada. Candidates who have already received an ITA or submitted a permanent residency application will not be affected.
• Impact on CRS Scores: Candidates with job offers will see their CRS scores decrease by 50 or 200 points, potentially lowering their chances of receiving an ITA.
• Temporary Measure: The removal of points is described as temporary, but no timeline for reinstatement has been provided.

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3. Implications for Candidates

 

For Candidates with LMIA Job Offers

• Reduced Advantage: Candidates relying on job offers for additional points will need to enhance other aspects of their profiles, such as language proficiency or education, to remain competitive.
• Strategic Adjustments: Those with valid job offers are encouraged to enter the Express Entry pool before Spring 2025 to maximize their chances under the current system.

For Candidates Without LMIA Job Offers

• Level Playing Field: Candidates without job offers may benefit from lower CRS cut-off scores, as the removal of points for job offers could reduce overall competition.
• Focus on Core Skills: Emphasizing language skills, Canadian work experience, and education will become even more critical.

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4. Broader Context and Policy Alignment

The removal of job offer points aligns with several broader trends in Canada’s immigration strategy:

• Category-Based Express Entry Draws: IRCC is increasingly focusing on occupation-specific draws, targeting sectors like healthcare, STEM, trades, and transportation that are experiencing labor shortages.
• Francophone Immigration: The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan emphasizes attracting French-speaking immigrants, with a target of 8.5% of admissions in 2025.
• In-Canada Focus: A significant portion of Express Entry invitations will go to candidates already in Canada, such as those in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

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5. Potential Challenges and Criticisms

• Impact on Employers: Employers relying on LMIAs to attract foreign talent may need to adjust their recruitment strategies.
• Uncertainty for Candidates: The temporary nature of the measure and lack of clarity on its duration could create uncertainty for candidates and stakeholders.
• Fraud Prevention: While the policy aims to reduce fraud, critics argue that it does not address the root cause of fraudulent LMIAs, which lies in the LMIA approval process itself.

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6. Recommendations for Candidates

To adapt to these changes, candidates should:

1. Enhance Language Proficiency: Improving English or French language scores can significantly boost CRS points.
2. Gain Canadian Work Experience: Experience in Canada, especially in high-demand occupations, can improve eligibility.
3. Pursue Further Education: Obtaining a Canadian degree or additional certifications can increase CRS scores.
4. Monitor Policy Updates: Stay informed about changes to Express Entry criteria and category-based draws.
5. Seek Professional Guidance: Consulting with immigration experts can help navigate the evolving system.

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7. Conclusion

The removal of job offer points in the Express Entry system reflects Canada’s commitment to maintaining a fair, transparent, and merit-based immigration process. While the change may pose challenges for some candidates, it also creates opportunities for others to compete on a more level playing field. By focusing on core skills and aligning with Canada’s labor market priorities, candidates can enhance their chances of success in the evolving immigration landscape.

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FAQ: Canada’s Express Entry System Changes – Removal of LMIA Job Offer Points

Q: What is the main change happening to Canada’s Express Entry system, and when will it take effect?

A: The major change is the removal of points awarded for job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This policy change will take effect in Spring 2025, though a specific date has not yet been announced. This impacts all Express Entry streams, including the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs.

Q: Why is Canada removing job offer points from the Express Entry system?

A: The primary reason for this change is the government’s concern over widespread fraud associated with LMIAs. Reports of LMIAs being bought and sold have surfaced, which allowed some candidates to artificially inflate their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, potentially disadvantaging more qualified applicants. Removing the job offer points aims to discourage this fraudulent activity.

Q: How will the removal of job offer points affect Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores?

A: Candidates with job offers will lose 50 or 200 points, which can significantly impact their overall CRS score and their ranking in the Express Entry pool. While it’s difficult to predict the exact impact without detailed data on current CRS score distributions, it is anticipated that cut-off scores may decrease slightly, potentially creating opportunities for candidates without job offers.

Q: I already have a valid LMIA and am in the Express Entry pool. How will this change affect me?

A: The government has not yet provided specific details about the transition for existing LMIA holders. It is generally assumed that those who have already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or submitted their application will not be affected. However, further clarification is needed and its best to submit your application as soon as possible. If you have a valid LMIA you should definitely apply before Spring 2025 to maximize your chances under the existing system.

Q: How will this policy change affect different Express Entry streams like FSW, CEC, and FST?

• FSW: Federal Skilled Worker candidates, often overseas applicants, will likely benefit from the potential decrease in CRS cut-off scores. These candidates should focus on optimizing their core factors such as education, language proficiency, and work experience.
• CEC: Canadian Experience Class candidates, who already receive significant points for Canadian work experience, may see less of a direct impact.
• FST: Federal Skilled Trades candidates, who often rely on job offers, may need to explore alternative pathways such as provincial nomination programs (PNPs) or focus on enhancing their language skills.

Q: What does this change mean for Canadian employers?

A: Canadian employers will need to adapt their recruitment strategies for hiring foreign workers. Increased reliance on Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) and the Global Talent Stream is expected. This change may also prompt calls for reforms to the LMIA process itself, with a focus on stricter oversight to ensure the integrity of the system.

Q: Are there any other immigration pathways that could become more popular because of this change?

A: Yes, it is anticipated that there might be an increase in employer interest in the Global Talent Stream. This stream offers faster processing for certain in-demand occupations and does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making it potentially more attractive to employers looking to quickly fill certain positions. This could also lead to increased usage of PNP streams for applicants who have a difficult time scoring high without the job offer points.

Q: What are some recommendations for candidates given this policy shift?

A: Candidates should focus on enhancing their core CRS factors, especially language proficiency. Using resources like IELTS Advantage and language learning apps like Duolingo can improve language scores. It is also crucial to seek professional guidance from regulated Canadian immigration consultants (RCICs) listed on the CICC website for personalized advice on their individual situations. If you have a valid LMIA, apply before Spring 2025 to maximize your chances under the current system.