Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced a major reform to the Express Entry system by eliminating additional points for job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This change, aimed at curbing fraud and promoting fairness, reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining integrity in the immigration process.
Previously, LMIA-supported job offers could add 50 to 200 points to an applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, significantly boosting their chances of securing permanent residency. However, widespread reports of fraudulent LMIAs being sold for exorbitant sums, ranging from $30,000 to $90,000, prompted the federal government to take action.
“We are removing additional points for LMIA-supported job offers to eliminate the incentive for fraud and ensure fairness in the system,” said Minister Miller during Tuesday’s press conference. “This step is part of our broader efforts to reinforce program integrity and restore public trust.”
The decision comes at a time when Canada faces challenges including rising unemployment, a housing crisis, and slower population growth. It also aligns with heightened scrutiny of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which has been criticized for its vulnerabilities, including exploitation and insufficient oversight.
In the first quarter of 2024 alone, 71,300 LMIAs were approved, up from 63,300 during the same period in 2023, primarily for positions such as farm workers, cooks, truck drivers, and construction laborers. Despite government inspections, fraudulent practices have persisted, exacerbating systemic issues and undermining the credibility of the immigration system.
While the implementation date for the new policy is yet to be announced, this move is expected to reshape pathways for skilled workers by focusing on genuine merit over manipulated scores. The government’s action aims to ensure transparency and fairness in selecting qualified candidates for permanent residency.
This reform is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to address vulnerabilities in its immigration system while balancing economic and social priorities.