In a significant policy shift, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that Express Entry candidates will no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This change aims to address fraud concerns and improve the integrity of Canada's immigration system.
Key Details of the Update:
- Previously, candidates could earn 50 or 200 CRS points for LMIA-backed job offers, which often determined whether they received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
- The additional points awarded were 50 for most occupations and 200 for executive-level positions under NOC TEER 0.
- While the exact implementation date is unclear, as of December 18, the government’s online CRS calculator still includes these points.
Reason for the Change
Minister Miller cited concerns about LMIA fraud, with some candidates reportedly purchasing these assessments to boost their scores. Removing job offer points is expected to eliminate such incentives, ensuring a fairer process for all applicants.
Impact on Express Entry Candidates
This adjustment could significantly influence CRS scores and ITA thresholds, especially in general and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws. Candidates should monitor updates and reassess their CRS strategies to maximize their chances of selection.