Canada introduces key changes to the Express Entry system to reduce fraud and ensure fairness in immigration. Starting spring 2025, job offer points will no longer be awarded.
Canada Takes Action to Reduce Fraud in Express Entry System
Ottawa, December 23, 2024 — The Government of Canada is taking bold steps to strengthen the integrity of the immigration system and ensure fair access to permanent residence. As part of these efforts, Minister Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a major update to the Express Entry system, aiming to curb fraud and promote transparency in the selection of skilled workers.
Key Changes to the Express Entry System
Starting in spring 2025, candidates in the Express Entry pool will no longer receive additional points for holding a job offer. This measure targets the fraudulent use of Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), which some candidates have exploited to unfairly enhance their chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada. The government believes this change will reduce such activities, ensuring that skilled workers who meet Canada’s economic needs are selected through fair processes.
- Impact on Current Applicants: Candidates already in the pool or with active invitations to apply will not be affected. However, new candidates and those with job offers in the pool will see the removal of these additional points once the change is implemented.
- Why This Change Was Necessary: The decision to remove job offer points addresses concerns about LMIA fraud and reinforces Canada’s commitment to a transparent, merit-based immigration system.
Minister Miller’s Statement
Minister Marc Miller reaffirmed the government’s commitment to attracting skilled workers to meet the country’s labor demands while maintaining the integrity of its immigration process:
“We are taking crucial steps to reduce fraud while continuing to attract the talented professionals our economy needs. Immigration has always been a key driver of Canada’s success, and we remain committed to welcoming the best and brightest to help grow our economy and society.” — Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
Background on the Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary pathway for permanent immigration under programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and portions of the Provincial Nominee Program. Candidates are selected based on their skills, education, work experience, language proficiency, and job offers.
- Recent Updates to Express Entry: In June 2022, Canada introduced updates to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, enabling the selection of immigrants based on specific economic priorities, such as targeted work experience or knowledge of French, aligning immigration with national labor market needs.
The Path Forward
The government is focused on creating a fair and responsive immigration system that supports Canada’s economic priorities while ensuring fairness for all applicants. By reducing fraud in the Express Entry system, Canada is reinforcing its commitment to a system that benefits both immigrants and the economy.
Quick Facts About the Change:
- The job offer point removal will be effective in spring 2025.
- The changes will affect new applicants and candidates with job offers in the pool after this date.
- Express Entry is the key system for managing skilled immigration in Canada, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class.
Stay informed about future updates on the Express Entry system as the Canadian government finalizes its efforts to reduce fraud and enhance the immigration process.
