Canada is tightening its immigration rules, eliminating a key pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) through the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) system. The move, part of a broader effort to curb fraud and reduce annual PR approvals to 114,000 over three years, will significantly impact foreign workers—particularly those from India.
No More Express Entry Points for LMIA Job Offers
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has removed the Express Entry points previously awarded for LMIA-backed job offers. This change targets widespread fraud, where applicants allegedly paid employers for fraudulent job offers to secure PR.
Indian Immigrants Hardest Hit
The LMIA route was especially popular among Indian nationals, with 52,100 (47% of total LMIA-based PRs) granted last year alone. Without the points boost—previously 50 for general jobs and up to 200 for senior roles—applicants must now rely on higher education, language proficiency, or alternative programs.
Rise in LMIA Approvals—and Fraud
Despite the policy shift, LMIA approvals surged to 71,300 in Q1 2024, up from 63,300 in 2023, mostly for sectors like food service, agriculture, and transport. Investigations reveal employers and agents sold LMIA documents for $10,000–$180,000, prompting the crackdown.
Alternative Pathways Remain Open
Prospective immigrants can still pursue PR through:
Express Entry: Requires strong IELTS scores and competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Recent draws had a CRS cutoff of 727.
Expert Insight
“These changes reflect Canada’s focus on merit-based immigration,” said [Expert Name], an immigration consultant. “Applicants must now prioritize skills and language scores over job offers.”
Looking Ahead
The reforms underscore Canada’s shifting immigration priorities. While LMIA-based PR is now harder to secure, legal routes like Express Entry and PNPs remain viable for qualified candidates.
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