Canada’s Possible Elimination of LMIA Points for PR

Currently, having an LMIA-backed job offer earns applicants a significant advantage: 50 points for most jobs and 200 points for management-level positions. This is meant to increase the applicant’s chances of obtaining permanent residency. However, immigration minister Marc Miller indicated that he was considering abolishing the LMIA points awarded to applicants under the Express Entry system.

He has also considered his involvement in the Canadian immigration process in light of his concerns about fraud and abuse of LMIAs, as if doing so will modify how people qualify for PR and prevent systemic abuses.

Why is the LMIA system problematic?

The LMIA system was established to assist firms in hiring foreign workers who match the conditions they specify when Canadians are unavailable to fill these positions. In theory, it tries to address Canada’s manpower shortages by employing international workers.

Also, the LMIA system is expected to be exploited, since some dishonest employers and recruiters offer false LMIAs to candidates in exchange for a huge sum of money to obtain permanent residency, which they receive unfairly.

In an interview, Marc Miller described the LMIA system as “a double-edged sword.” “There’s a value to LMIA, but it can’t be $70,000 on the black or grey market,” Miller remarked. “I’m seriously considering removing it.”

Stopping Fraud

Fraud was a major basis for removal. Eliminating LMIA points from your score will lower the amount of LMIAs given, eliminating fake employment offers.

Minister Marc Miller said, “We need to do more.” to fight fraud. He also noted that limited resources and competing goals make enforcement challenging. The administration thinks removing LMIA points will simplify and reduce abuse, making the system fairer.

This planned change illustrates the government’s efforts to restore immigration system credibility and ensure legitimate job offers count.

Public Concerns Over Immigration

Many Canadians are concerned about Canada’s population increase and the country’s ability to meet the demands of immigrants. A recent Environics poll found that Canadians believe the country allows too many immigrants, reflecting growing concerns about housing and affordability.

“When Canadians say we need to do a better job with migration, I don’t equate them with being anti-immigrant,” Miller admitted. “This is a country that is very accepting of others, but there’s a real problem with our capacity to absorb so many newcomers in a short timeframe.”

In response to these concerns, Miller recently proposed a 20% cut in the number of permanent residents that Canada will admit, as well as temporary resident limits. These strategies aim to relieve the demand for housing and other resources.

Problems with the asylum system

Canada has yet another huge challenge: a 250,000-case backlog for asylum claims. This increases the resources and delays required for the processing of genuine refugees, who may have to wait years for a decision.

Miller criticized the shortcomings of the current asylum system. He stated that long-term residents who fail to renew their licenses face the same treatment as new asylum seekers, complicating the procedure.

“There are many other measures that I will be putting into place to tighten up and limit people’s abilities to abuse the asylum system,” Miller told the crowd. He said that diverting certain cases would assist in prioritizing real migrants in the backlog.

Concerns about border crossings

Canada may experience irregular migration along its southern border if Donald Trump is elected president. Last semester, thousands of asylum seekers entered Canada illegally, notably Roxham Road in Quebec. Migrants exploited these ways to avoid the Canada-US Safe Third Country Agreement, which requires asylum seekers to file claims in the first safe country they enter.

Miller said the government wants stricter border controls and more collaboration with the US to prevent this from happening again. He would not say whether Canada could leave the treaty but stressed honoring international agreements.

What’s next? Balancing Integrity and Fairness.

Removing LMIA points is one of several improvements aimed at making Canada’s immigration system more fair and transparent. This measure would end fraud, safeguard vulnerable workers, and ensure that PR is awarded based on merit rather than financial manipulation.

Aside from LMIAs, Canada is addressing a number of other issues, including lowering the asylum backlog, regulating immigration numbers to alleviate public concerns, and preparing for future surges in irregular migration. Together, these improvements can contribute to a stronger immigration system for both newcomers and Canadians.

Why is Canada reviewing the LMIA points?

LMIA points are regularly abused and sold in fraudulent job offers to boost Express Entry scores. Removing these points would prevent fraud and worker exploitation.

What about the asylum claims?

Miller will move genuine asylum cases to the front of the backlog and strive to reduce exploitation by redirecting applicants who are ineligible.

What will Canada do to address irregular migration?

To avoid the flood witnessed in recent years, the government is implementing tighter border security measures with aid from the United States.

Will immigration levels decrease?

Yes, Miller announced a 20% reduction in permanent resident admissions and temporary resident caps to address housing and resource pressures.

What is the Safe Third-Country Agreement?

The agreement requires asylum seekers to apply for refugee status in the first safe country they enter. While there are no intentions to withdraw, Canada continues to honour its international obligations.

Canada’s immigration system is experiencing significant adjustments. From combating LMIA fraud to addressing public concerns about immigration numbers, these changes seek to assure fairness, eliminate misuse, and enhance how newcomers are welcomed into the country.

Why Is This Happening?

We believe the high CRS in the Canadian Experience Class category in Express Entry draws is driving LMIA fraud. The lowest CRS for a CEC draw was 509 in 2024. CRS ranged between 380-450 in 2021, with a low of 431 in 2020.

The lowest CRS in 2021 was 75, although this was a unique draw when Canada invited all eligible Canadian workers due to pandemic-related immigration delays and labour shortages.

What Impact Might This Have On Your CRS?

Legitimate applicants who want to talk to their company about an LMIA may want to focus on other ways to improve their score. Planning for and responding to prospective changes is usually wise, even if this change is never proven.

Use our free CRS calculator to determine your CRS points and how to increase them. However, learning French is still a good way to acquire a Canadian permanent residence invitation.

However, Canadian workers need not despair. While you may lose 50 points to your CRS, the Canadian government will prioritize In-Canada candidates in 2025.

Recently, Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that Canada will convert many temporary residents to permanent residents in 2025.

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