Dear future neighbour,
In an important update for potential immigrants, Canada has announced that, effective March 25, 2025, candidates applying through the Express Entry system will no longer receive extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This change was confirmed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in December 2024.
Why the Change?
Previously, candidates with a valid LMIA-backed job offer can earn up to 200 additional CRS points, depending on the type of job. These bonus points have often helped candidates secure Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. However, the Canadian government has decided to remove these points to increase fairness in the immigration system and reduce the potential for fraud.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, explained that removing the bonus points will discourage candidates from buying LMIAs to boost their CRS scores, ultimately creating a more transparent process.
How Will This Affect Candidates?
The decision to eliminate these bonus points will have an impact on both new and existing candidates in the Express Entry pool. Those with LMIA-supported job offers will see their CRS scores drop, which could lower their chances of receiving an ITA. On the other hand, candidates without an LMIA-backed job offer may have a better chance as the overall CRS score distribution adjusts.
For example, candidates who have been relying on a job offer to boost their points will need to focus on strengthening other areas of their profile to stay competitive.
What Other Areas Can Applicants Look At?
Without the LMIA-based points, candidates will need to explore other ways to improve their CRS scores. Candidates are assigned a score out of 1200 based on various factors, including:
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Age: Younger candidates generally score higher, as younger applicants are seen as having a longer potential work life.
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Education: Higher levels of education, like a master’s degree or doctorate, contribute to a stronger CRS score.
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Language proficiency: Improving your language test results, such as IELTS or CELPIP, can add significant points.
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Work experience: Relevant work experience, especially Canadian experience, adds valuable points to your CRS score.
Additional factors through which candidates can score extra points include:
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French language skills: Candidates with proficiency in French can earn extra points, especially if they are bilingual.
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Post-secondary education in Canada: Having completed studies at a Canadian institution can add extra points to your profile.
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Having a sibling living in Canada as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident: This factor can give applicants additional CRS points if they have a close family connection in the country.
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Provincial/territorial nomination: A provincial or territorial nomination can award 600 points, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Looking Ahead
While this change may pose a challenge for some applicants, it opens up new opportunities for others and ensures that the system remains equitable for all.
Candidates applying through Express Entry should begin reviewing their profiles and consider strengthening other aspects to adapt to the new system.
Do you require assistance with crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com
