Canada’s Express Entry Shake-Up: LMIA-Based Job Offers No Longer Awarded CRS Points
In a significant policy shift announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller on December 17, Canada will soon discontinue awarding additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based job offers in the Express Entry system. This decision marks a notable change in the way candidates seeking Canadian permanent residency are evaluated, altering a key advantage that many relied upon to boost their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
What Does This Mean for Express Entry Candidates?
Previously, Express Entry candidates with LMIA-based job offers could gain a competitive edge with 50 or 200 additional CRS points, depending on the job’s classification. These points often made the critical difference for candidates striving to surpass the cut-off scores in Express Entry draws, which frequently exceed 500 points for general and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) categories.
For instance:
- Candidates in any NOC TEER category could receive an additional 50 CRS points.
- Those in executive leadership roles (NOC TEER 0) could secure up to 200 additional points.
Without these points, candidates will need to focus more on other CRS-scoring factors, such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. This shift might create a more level playing field but also raises the bar for candidates relying heavily on job offers to enhance their profiles.
Read: What Not to Do During a Canada Work Permit Interview
Implications for Foreign Workers
- Increased Competition: Candidates without LMIA-based job offers may feel a sense of fairness, but those who relied on these points might now struggle to meet the high cut-off scores.
- Shift in Strategy: Prospective applicants will need to prioritize strengthening other areas of their profiles. Improving French language skills, gaining Canadian education credentials, or securing a provincial nomination could become critical.
- Focus on Core Human Capital Factors: With core factors scoring up to 600 points, candidates should strategically enhance their profiles by obtaining certifications, advancing education, or gaining more skilled work experience.
For Canadian employers:
- Reduced Reliance on LMIA: This change might reduce the incentive for employers to apply for LMIAs to support international hires. Instead, employers may focus on attracting talent through other pathways, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Why the Change Matters
The removal of CRS points for LMIA-based job offers aligns with Canada’s evolving immigration priorities. By emphasizing core human capital factors, the system might encourage a more holistic evaluation of candidates, focusing on their long-term potential to contribute to Canada’s economy and society. However, it could also make it more challenging for candidates to stand out in a highly competitive pool, especially as Express Entry scores continue to trend upwards.
Read: The Ultimate Guide to Landing a Remote Job with No Experience
Advice for Candidates
If you’re aiming to immigrate to Canada, here are some actionable steps:
- Improve Language Proficiency: Take steps to achieve high scores in language tests, especially in French, as bilingual candidates receive additional points.
- Seek Provincial Nominations: Explore PNP options that can add up to 600 points to your profile.
- Pursue Canadian Education: Consider studying in Canada to gain CRS points for post-secondary education in the country.
- Stay Updated: Monitor changes in the Express Entry system and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Final Thoughts
While this policy change removes a shortcut for some, it reinforces Canada’s commitment to attracting skilled workers with strong foundational qualifications. It underscores the need for candidates to invest in building well-rounded profiles that align with the country’s long-term needs. For aspiring immigrants, adaptability and a proactive approach will be key to navigating this new landscape.
Read: Understanding the Cost of Living in the UK: How Immigrants Can Save Money
This development is both a challenge and an opportunity that could redefine how the best and brightest make Canada their new home.
