The Canadian immigration landscape is about to undergo a significant transformation. As of Spring 2025, Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) will no longer contribute points to Express Entry profiles. This change marks a pivotal shift in how Canada evaluates skilled worker applications.
What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers obtain to hire foreign workers. It demonstrates that no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the job, justifying the need for international talent. In the current Express Entry system, Express Entry candidates could receive an additional 50 or 200 CRS points for having an LMIA-based job offer.
An additional 50 points can easily make the difference between a candidate receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency, or not being invited at all.
Why is Canada Making This Change?
The decision to eliminate LMIA points from Express Entry reflects several objectives:
Reducing Employer Influence: By removing LMIA points, Canada seeks to prevent employers from disproportionately influencing immigration outcomes, ensuring a more equitable selection process.
Combating Fraud and Abuse: The LMIA process, designed to assess the need for hiring foreign workers when no qualified Canadians are available, has been exploited by fraudulent actors. By offering additional Express Entry points for LMIA-backed job offers, the system inadvertently created an incentive for unscrupulous individuals to illegally buy or sell LMIAs to improve their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Who Will Be Affected?
This policy change will affect all candidates in the Express Entry pool, including:
– Current temporary workers in Canada seeking permanent residency.
– New entrants to the Express Entry system.
Candidates who have already received an ITA or have an application in progress by spring 2025 will not be impacted.
What Should Candidates Do Now?
Enhance Language Skills: Scoring higher on English or French language tests can significantly boost CRS points.
Pursue Canadian Education or Work Experience: Gaining experience in Canada through study or temporary work programs can increase CRS scores.
Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces offer immigration streams that prioritize specific skills and occupations.
