How To Safeguard Your LMIA Points Before Express Entry Changes

Canada’s immigration system is facing some important changes that could affect people applying for permanent residency through the Express Entry system. One of the most significant changes involves the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) points, which may be removed from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) soon. For those hoping to boost their CRS scores, understanding this change and how to adapt is crucial to securing a spot in Canada’s immigration process.

What Is LMIA and How Does It Work in Express Entry?

An LMIA is a document that verifies that a Canadian employer has been unable to find a qualified Canadian candidate for a job, thus allowing them to hire a foreign worker. Under the Express Entry system, candidates who have a valid job offer supported by an LMIA can earn additional points toward their CRS score. For most job offers, this means 50 points, while executive roles can offer up to 200 points.

These extra points have been a major help for candidates looking to improve their chances of getting an invitation to apply for permanent residency. The more points you have in your CRS score, the higher your chances of getting selected. However, this is all set to change soon.

Why Is the Government Considering Removing LMIA Points?

The issue with the current LMIA points system is that some applicants have exploited it. Some people have been willing to pay large sums of money—ranging from $15,000 to over $75,000—to obtain fraudulent LMIA job offers. These fake offers inflate CRS scores and undermine the integrity of the immigration process. To combat this, the Canadian government, under Immigration Minister Marc Miller, is considering removing the LMIA points from the Express Entry system entirely.

The idea behind this change is to discourage the misuse of the LMIA process and ensure that the points system remains fair and transparent for all candidates. While the removal of LMIA points hasn’t been confirmed yet, it is being seriously considered, and if it goes ahead, it could impact many candidates currently relying on these extra points.

What Does This Mean for You?

If the government removes LMIA points from the Express Entry system, applicants who were hoping to boost their CRS scores with these points might find themselves at a disadvantage. With fewer points available, the competition for those who are left to rely on language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience will become much fiercer.

But all hope is not lost. There are several other ways to improve your CRS score and increase your chances of being selected for permanent residency.

Alternative Ways to Improve Your CRS Score

Given the uncertainty surrounding LMIA points, it’s important to explore other ways to strengthen your profile:

1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces across Canada have specific immigration programs allowing them to nominate permanent residency candidates. If a province nominates you, you automatically earn 600 points for your CRS score, which can virtually guarantee you’ll receive an invitation to apply.
2. Language Proficiency: The higher your language test scores, the better. By improving your IELTS or CELPIP scores, you can gain additional points in the CRS system. Language skills are one of the most important factors for scoring well in Express Entry.
3. Educational Qualifications: Getting higher educational qualifications—especially those recognized by Canadian institutions—can add valuable points to your profile. More education means more points, and Canada values higher education from its applicants.
4. Canadian Work Experience: If you have any work experience in Canada, make sure to highlight it. Having Canadian work experience adds points to your CRS score and makes you a more attractive candidate for employers and the immigration system alike.

Preparing for the Changes: What You Should Do Now

While the removal of LMIA points is still under consideration, now is the time to prepare and strengthen your profile in other ways. Focus on improving your language skills, gaining Canadian work experience if possible, and looking into Provincial Nominee Programs as a backup plan.

Staying informed and being ready for these changes will ensure you don’t miss out on opportunities. Consulting with immigration professionals who can provide tailored advice for your specific situation can help you navigate the complexities of the immigration process.

Key Insights

The potential removal of LMIA points from the Express Entry system is a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policy. While this change is designed to make the system more fair and transparent, it will also impact many people who have relied on these points to improve their chances of securing permanent residency.

If you are currently in the Express Entry pool or planning to apply, now is the time to focus on alternative methods for boosting your CRS score. Provincial Nominee Programs, improving language proficiency, getting additional education, and gaining Canadian work experience are all excellent ways to stay competitive.