IRCC Cuts LMIA based job offer Points from Express Entry CRS

Impact on Express Entry Candidates

Previously, Express Entry candidates could gain 50 or 200 CRS points for having an LMIA-based job offer. These points were crucial, often determining whether a candidate received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The removal of these points will significantly impact the strategy of many candidates.

Ministerial Announcement and Effective Date

Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this change on December 17th. However, the exact implementation date remains unclear. As of December 18th, the government's online points calculator still includes the 50-point bonus for LMIA-based job offers.

Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS is the system used by the Canadian federal government to rank Express Entry candidates. A higher CRS score increases the likelihood of receiving an ITA. Factors considered in the CRS include:

• Age
• Education
• Language Proficiency
• Work Experience
• Sibling in Canada
• French Language Skills
• Canadian Education
• Arranged Employment
• Provincial/Territorial Nomination

The Role of LMIA-Based Job Offers

An LMIA-based job offers, obtained through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), indicates that a Canadian employer needs a foreign worker to fill a specific position. This offer could previously boost a candidate's CRS score significantly.

Recent Changes to the TFWP

In recent months, the TFWP has undergone several changes, including:

• Suspension of Low-Wage Stream Processing: This move aims to protect Canadian workers in low-wage sectors.
• Increased Wage Requirements for High-Wage Stream: Foreign workers in high-wage positions must now earn at least 20?ove the median wage for their occupation and region.

Rationale for the CRS Change

The IRCC's decision to remove LMIA-based job offer points is intended to:

• Reduce Fraud: Prevent fraudulent LMIA applications.
• Enhance Fairness: Create a more equitable system for all Express Entry candidates.
• Strengthen Integrity: Improve the overall integrity of Canada's immigration system.

By eliminating the incentive to purchase LMIA-based job offers, the IRCC aims to create a fairer and more transparent immigration process.

Fairer Chance for Skilled Workers

The removal of LMIA-based job offer points from the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a significant step towards a more equitable immigration process. This change will provide a fairer chance for skilled workers worldwide to secure Canadian permanent residency based on their merits and qualifications, rather than relying on employer-sponsored opportunities. By levelling the playing field, this reform will attract top talent from diverse backgrounds and contribute to Canada's economic growth and social diversity.

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- Rajneesh Kumar