Canada is transforming its immigration system in a big way, and these changes may impact both temporary residents and employers looking to hire foreign workers. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced two major updates that are set to transform how the country evaluates Express Entry candidates and manages its Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Goodbye to Extra CRS Points for LMIA-Based Job Offers

Until now, having a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) gave Express Entry candidates a significant boost in their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The points were generous:

• 50 points for most LMIA-backed job offers.
• 200 points for high-level executive roles.

For many candidates, these extra points have contributed greatly on receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. However, that’s all about to change. The government is removing these additional points to level the playing field and reduce fraud risks.

While the exact date for this change hasn’t been announced, it’s clear the focus is shifting away from employer-backed endorsements toward prioritizing candidates with strong skills and adaptability.

What’s Behind This Change?

According to Minister Miller, the system had become vulnerable to misuse, with some candidates purchasing fraudulent LMIAs to gain an advantage. By removing these points, Canada aims to create a fair immigration process that rewards genuine skill and potential over opportunistic shortcuts. This approach also aligns with the government’s efforts to emphasize human capital factors like education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability, which are the traits that set candidates up for long-term success in Canada.

Express Entry: Quick Reminder

For those unfamiliar, the Express Entry system is Canada’s flagship pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. It ranks candidates based on their CRS score, which factors in:

• Age
• Education
• Language proficiency
• Work experience

Candidates can earn up to 600 points for these core factors, plus additional points for things like French proficiency, a sibling in Canada, Canadian education, or a provincial nomination. Historically, LMIA-based job offers were a key source of extra points, but with those gone, candidates will need to focus more on boosting their core human capital scores.

What Does This Mean for You?

For Express Entry candidates, it is time to prioritize improving your CRS score. Focus on key factors such as language proficiency—particularly in French—Canadian education, and provincial nominations. With the removal of points based on LMIAs, every point you can earn in these areas will be more important than ever.  For employers, the message is straightforward: hiring foreign workers remains an option, but it now comes with higher standards and stricter requirements. Be prepared to offer competitive wages and demonstrate a genuine need for international talent.

These changes signify a significant shift in Canada’s immigration priorities, emphasizing skills, adaptability, and fairness. Whether you are a candidate aspiring to build a life in Canada or an employer seeking top talent, understanding these updates is essential for navigating the new landscape.