Marc Miller Considers Ending LMIA Points For PR Applicants

Canada’s immigration system is facing potential changes, and one of the most significant shifts being considered is the removal of bonus points for applicants who hold Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). These LMIAs, which are issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), currently offer a substantial advantage in the Express Entry system, with 50 points awarded for most positions and 200 points for management roles. These points are seen as vital tools to enhance the chances of securing permanent residency.

However, Minister of Immigration Marc Miller has raised concerns about the misuse of the LMIA system, particularly the 50-point LMIAs, which have been sold illegally in the black and grey markets. While high-value LMIAs for management positions are less likely to be exploited, the sale of lower-point LMIAs has become a troubling trend, raising questions about the integrity of the system. Miller is now contemplating the removal of these points to prevent further abuse.

“It’s a balancing act,” said Miller. “There’s a value to LMIA, but it can’t be $70,000 on the black market or the grey market. I’m seriously considering removing it.”

The minister also acknowledged that enforcing the rules around LMIAs has been difficult due to limited resources and competing priorities. Nevertheless, Miller stressed the importance of reducing the financial incentive for fraudulent activity and removing these bonus points could help address the issue. This step would aim to restore the integrity of the immigration system, ensuring that the points are not being used for illegal purposes.

Canada’s immigration system is under increasing scrutiny due to several factors. The country has seen rapid population growth, with a high number of study and work permit holders, which is partly to blame for rising housing prices and affordability concerns. A recent poll found that, for the first time in 25 years, more Canadians feel that the country is accepting too many immigrants. Miller has taken note of this growing sentiment, acknowledging that Canada’s capacity to absorb such high numbers in a short time is limited. As a result, he announced a reduction in the number of permanent resident admissions by 20% and placed caps on the number of temporary residents allowed in.

On top of these challenges, Canada is facing a mounting asylum claim backlog, which has now reached 250,000 cases. Miller criticized the current system for treating long-term residents who fail to renew their permits the same way as new asylum seekers. To address this, he suggested prioritizing "true cases" and making adjustments to ease the burden on the system.

Miller also expressed concern about potential irregular migration under a possible second Trump presidency. During Trump’s first term, thousands of asylum seekers crossed into Canada, bypassing the Safe Third Country Agreement. Miller emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration with U.S. authorities to prevent such situations from recurring.

As Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve, Miller’s proposed changes highlight the delicate balance between ensuring fairness, maintaining system integrity, and responding to public concerns. The proposed removal of LMIA points is just one part of the larger effort to improve the system and ensure it remains sustainable.