Canada has announced a major change for Express Entry applicants. From spring 2025, job offer points will no longer be part of the permanent residency process, aimed at reducing fraud.
Canada Removes Job Offer Points for Permanent Residency Through Express Entry
Starting in spring 2025, Canada will no longer award additional points to candidates for permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry system for having a job offer. This significant change, made by the Canadian government, aims to curb fraud associated with the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, which has been under scrutiny due to reports of illegal activities. The new rules will impact those applying for PR, especially temporary foreign workers already in Canada.
Impact of Changes on Express Entry Applicants
From 2025, the Express Entry system will no longer provide extra points to applicants who hold a valid job offer. These job offer points, which typically ranged from 50 points and often determined whether an applicant qualified for PR, will no longer be awarded. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this policy change will help reduce fraud in the LMIA process, as unscrupulous agents have been known to facilitate the illegal sale of LMIAs for profit.
The changes will affect candidates who have not yet been invited to apply for PR and those who are working temporarily in Canada. However, it will not impact candidates who already have an invitation to apply or whose applications are in progress.
The Motivation Behind the Policy Change
Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller emphasized that the goal of this measure is to reduce fraud while ensuring that Canada continues to attract the skilled workers necessary for its economy. IRCC clarified that this decision to eliminate job offer points is designed to increase fairness in the immigration process.
The LMIA, a document that employers must obtain before hiring foreign workers, has been the subject of concern due to increasing reports of fraud. The process has allegedly been exploited by immigration agents and employers who seek to illegally profit from selling LMIAs, with some prospective workers paying amounts as high as $75,000 CAD for the necessary paperwork.
How Will Indian Applicants Be Affected?
Indian applicants will be most affected by this change, as they make up the largest national group within the Express Entry stream. In 2023, 40,775 Indian candidates applied for PR through Express Entry, representing nearly 47% of all candidates in the system. The number of Indian applicants has continued to grow, with 31,165 applicants between January and October 2024 alone.
This change is expected to impact the Indian workforce, especially those who had secured job offers to help boost their points for the PR process.
The LMIA Fraud Issue and Government Response
The Canadian government has been actively working to address the issue of LMIA fraud. Reports have surfaced of immigration agents working with employers to generate fraudulent LMIAs in exchange for hefty fees. These actions have raised concerns about the integrity of the Express Entry process, prompting the government to make necessary adjustments.
By removing the job offer points, the government aims to close the loophole and prevent candidates from illegally purchasing LMIAs. While this is a positive step towards a fairer system, some experts argue that genuine workers with high-demand skills might be disadvantaged by the change.
Expert Opinions on the New Policy
Naresh Chavda, president of Globayan Immigration Corporation, stated that while the measure will reduce fraud, it could also hurt many highly skilled workers who are in genuine need of the LMIA to boost their Express Entry profile. Chavda suggested that instead of removing the job offer points entirely, the screening process should be enhanced to ensure that fraudulent applications are caught without penalizing skilled workers who are already contributing to Canada’s economy.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Future Express Entry Applicants?
As Canada moves forward with these changes in spring 2025, applicants should stay informed about the evolving Express Entry rules. The removal of job offer points marks a shift in Canada’s approach to immigration, aiming to prioritize fairness and transparency. While this policy is likely to reduce fraud, it could impact candidates who rely on job offers for additional points.
For potential candidates, the focus will now shift more toward other factors such as skills, work experience, and education. It is crucial for prospective PR applicants to keep an eye on further updates from IRCC and adjust their strategies accordingly.
