SHOCKING NEWS: Major Changes to Canada's Express Entry System

In a significant shake-up for Express Entry candidates aspiring for permanent residency in Canada, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that candidates will no longer earn extra points for having a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based job offer. This decision, revealed by Immigration Minister Marc Miller on December 17, has sparked concerns among many who rely on these points to bolster their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.

Previously, candidates with a valid LMIA-based job offer could gain an additional 50 or 200 CRS points, making it a game-changer in the highly competitive landscape of Canadian immigration. For many, those extra points could mean the difference between receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency or being left in the dust. As of December 18, however, discrepancies remain, with the government’s online points calculator still reflecting the outdated scoring system.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the backbone of Canada’s Express Entry process. Candidates are ranked based on a total of 1,200 points, derived from various factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. This latest change is anticipated to influence future CRS draws, which have routinely seen cut-off scores soar above 500 points throughout 2024.

But what exactly led to this surprising decision? Minister Miller cited intentions to combat potential fraud within the immigration system. By eliminating the additional points for LMIA-based job offers, the government aims to lessen the temptation for candidates to purchase fraudulent LMIAs. "This measure is expected to remove the incentive for candidates to purchase an LMIA, resulting in increased fairness and integrity in Express Entry,” Miller stated.

This comes on the heels of recent reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which also included heightened pay thresholds for high-wage occupations and a suspension of LMIA processing for low-wage streams. Such measures indicate a comprehensive overhaul aimed at closing loopholes and ensuring that Canada's labor market remains intact.

With these transformations, the future of Express Entry and the broader immigration system in Canada remains uncertain, prompting potential candidates to reassess their plans. As always, individuals seeking to navigate this evolving landscape should stay updated on any emerging developments.

As Canada continues to adapt its immigration policies to ensure a competitive yet fair system, aspiring immigrants need to remain vigilant and proactive. Don't miss out on critical information that could change your immigration journey—stay tuned for updates on this breaking news story!