Canada’s immigration system may soon undergo significant Express Entry changes, as Immigration Minister Marc Miller considers removing Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for eligible job offers. This proposal is a direct response to the increasing number of fraudulent activities tied to Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in 2024.

In recent months, there have been widespread reports of temporary residents, including international students, paying tens of thousands of dollars for fake job offers to boost their CRS scores under the Express Entry system. This growing issue has raised concerns about the fairness and integrity of Canada’s immigration programs, prompting the government to take decisive action. Minister Miller has acknowledged the challenges this change might create for candidates with legitimate job offers, but he emphasized that the severity of the fraud requires bold measures.

If implemented, these changes could drastically alter the way candidates approach Express Entry applications, particularly those relying on job offers to improve their CRS scores. Read on to learn more about what’s happening, why these changes are being considered, and how they might impact your immigration journey.

Why Are These Express Entry Changes Being Considered?

The rampant misuse of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) has become a growing concern within Canada’s immigration system. Fraudulent practices have increasingly come to light, with temporary residents, including international students, reportedly paying exorbitant amounts—sometimes as high as $75,000—for fake job offers. These fraudulent job offers are often designed to artificially boost a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score under the Express Entry program, providing an unfair advantage in a highly competitive system.

This widespread exploitation undermines the integrity of Canada’s immigration framework, creating a black market for LMIAs and disadvantaging genuine applicants who follow the rules. Fraudulent job offers also exploit the vulnerability of hopeful immigrants, many of whom are willing to make significant sacrifices to improve their chances of securing permanent residence.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has recognized the gravity of this issue, describing the extent of the fraud as severe enough to warrant major policy changes. Among these proposed reforms is the removal of CRS points for valid job offers under Express Entry. While this move could make the system more equitable by deterring fraud, it may also have unintended consequences, such as penalizing legitimate candidates who have secured authentic, LMIA-backed job offers. Nonetheless, Minister Miller emphasized that these bold measures are necessary to protect the integrity and fairness of Canada’s immigration process.

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Job Offers and the CRS

Under the current Express Entry system, a valid job offer supported by an LMIA can add 50 to 200 points to a candidate’s CRS score. This boost increases the chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

For example:

  • 50 points are awarded for jobs classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
  • 200 points are awarded for senior-level positions (NOC codes starting with “00”).

However, fraudulent LMIA-backed job offers exploit this advantage, undermining the integrity of Express Entry and disadvantaging legitimate applicants.

LMIA Fraud: A Growing Concern

The scale of LMIA fraud has surged in recent months, involving unethical practices such as:

  • Charging individuals for LMIAs.
  • Falsifying job offers with no real positions available.
  • Workers paying their salaries to employers as part of the scheme.

These fraudulent activities not only harm the integrity of the Express Entry system but also exploit vulnerable individuals.

How Might These Express Entry Changes Impact Candidates?

Removing CRS points for job offers could reshape the landscape for candidates:

  • For legitimate applicants: Candidates relying on LMIA-backed job offers may need to find alternative ways to boost their CRS scores.
  • For fraudulent actors: The removal of job-offer points could deter fraud by eliminating its primary incentive.

It’s important to note that these changes would not impact the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where job offers can still add up to 600 CRS points.

Preparing for Express Entry Updates

To stay competitive under the proposed Express Entry changes, candidates should:

  • Focus on Other CRS Factors: Improve language scores, gain Canadian work experience, or pursue education in Canada.
  • Learn French: French language proficiency is a powerful way to increase CRS scores.
  • Stay Updated: Follow IRCC announcements for the latest updates on Express Entry and LMIA fraud reforms.
  • Consult Experts: Work with trusted immigration professionals to adapt to these changes effectively.

Canada’s Long-Term Immigration Goals

Despite these potential changes, the Canadian government remains committed to welcoming immigrants. Minister Miller has affirmed plans to prioritize in-Canada applicants in upcoming draws, emphasizing opportunities for young and skilled workers transitioning to permanent residence.

Looking for Help Navigating Express Entry Changes?

At Wild Mountain Immigration, we specialize in helping candidates adapt to updates in Canada’s immigration system. Contact us today to optimize your CRS score and achieve your immigration goals.