Key Points
- Starting in the spring of 2025, Canada will remove Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers supported by Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).
- LMIA-supported job offers previously provided 50 to 200 CRS points in the Express Entry system.
- The change aims to combat fraudulent practices related to buying and selling LMIAs.
- The update will apply to all Express Entry candidates in the pool, including new entrants and those with job offers.
- Applicants who already received Invitations to Apply (ITA) or have applications in progress will not be affected.
Overview
In spring 2025, Canada will implement a significant update to its Express Entry (EE) program by eliminating the extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This adjustment aims to strengthen the integrity of the Express Entry system by removing the incentive for fraudulent practices related to LMIA-backed job offers.
Under the current system, LMIA-supported job offers provide candidates with an additional 50 to 200 CRS points, depending on the role, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. However, the government’s decision to remove these points is driven by concerns about LMIA misuse, which has led to illegal transactions and undermined the fairness of the selection process.
Once the change takes effect, all Express Entry candidates—including those working temporarily in Canada with LMIA-backed job offers—will no longer benefit from these additional points. However, candidates who have already received an ITA or whose applications are in progress will not be affected. The policy will apply to new entrants and existing candidates in the Express Entry pool.
Without the CRS boost from LMIA-supported offers, candidates may find it more challenging to qualify for permanent residency, particularly if they lack other key qualifications such as Canadian education, advanced French language skills, or provincial nominations. This underscores the need for candidates to strengthen their profiles in areas that contribute to higher CRS scores, such as language proficiency, additional education, or provincial nominations.
The Canadian government views this change as a necessary step to improve the transparency of the Express Entry system and ensure that genuine applicants with strong, merit-based profiles have a fair opportunity to obtain permanent residency.
Looking Ahead
Employers and immigration professionals should be aware of the upcoming changes and consider alternative ways to support foreign talent seeking permanent residency in Canada. Candidates relying on LMIA-backed job offers should focus on strengthening their CRS profiles by pursuing additional qualifications, including language certifications or educational credentials recognized in Canada.
This policy update may also prompt more candidates to seek provincial nominations or bolster their Express Entry scores by securing Canadian work experience through non-LMIA-based roles.
Immigration stakeholders should monitor additional guidance from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as the spring 2025 implementation date approaches. The shift away from LMIA-based CRS points is part of a broader strategy to enhance the fairness and effectiveness of Canada’s immigration system, making it essential for candidates to stay informed and adapt their approach to securing permanent residency.
