Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that Express Entry candidates will no longer receive additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for job offers backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This change aims to address fraud and improve fairness in the immigration system. While the government has yet to provide a timeline for implementation, as of December 18, the points calculator on IRCC’s website still awards these additional points.
What Is an LMIA?
An LMIA is a document employers in Canada must secure to hire a foreign worker, proving no Canadians or permanent residents are available to fill the role. While it’s a vital tool for addressing labor shortages, its misuse has led to increased scrutiny and reforms.
Why Remove LMIA Points?
Previously, Express Entry candidates could earn an extra 50 or 200 CRS points for having an LMIA-backed job offer. This boost often determined whether they received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Canada approved 54,879 LMIAs in the second quarter of 2024—over 10,000 more than the same period last year. Most of these approvals were for employment in food service, transportation, and construction sectors.
However, as reported by the Financial Post and multiple other media outlets, some employers and immigration agents exploit the system by illegally selling LMIAs to prospective immigrants or those already in Canada hoping to boost their CRS scores.
The asking price for LMIAs can range from $10,000 to $30,000, with immigration consultant Kanwar Sierah noting that some LMIAs have been sold for $70,000. In extreme cases, a government-commissioned investigation revealed that some individuals were being charged up to $180,000.
Implications for Express Entry Candidates
Removing LMIA-based points could significantly impact Express Entry candidates relying on job offers to boost their CRS scores. The maximum CRS score remains 1,200 points, with factors such as education, age, language proficiency, and provincial nominations still playing a critical role.
Candidates may need to re-evaluate their profiles and explore other pathways, such as securing a provincial nomination, which still offers a substantial 600-point boost.
What next?
The removal of LMIA-based points from the CRS is a bold step to improve the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. While it presents challenges for some candidates, it also creates an opportunity to level the playing field for those applying through Express Entry.
How We Can Help
Keep in mind that the LMIA process can be complex and time-consuming, so careful planning and attention to detail are key to success.
If you are an employer in Canada, we can help you fill your labor shortage. InfoPlace Canada offers services where we provide guidance and assistance to business owners who are interested in applying for an LMIA to hire foreign workers.
If you are a worker with a job offer and need assistance with your work permit application, please do not hesitate to contact us for expert assistance with your application.
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