Express Entry 2025: LMIA-Based Job Offers No Longer a CRS Booster

By Vineet Tiwari

Canadian Immigration

Key Changes for 2025:

• No More LMIA Points: Starting in the spring of 2025, Express Entry candidates will no longer receive extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for securing a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Previously, this could significantly boost their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
• Focus on Human Capital: The focus will shift more heavily towards core human capital factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. These factors will continue to play a crucial role in determining a candidate’s CRS score.
• Potential Impact: This change aims to enhance the integrity of the Express Entry system by discouraging potential LMIA fraud. However, it may also make it more challenging for some candidates to achieve a high enough CRS score to receive an ITA.

Understanding the CRS:

The CRS is the system used by the Canadian government to rank Express Entry candidates. A higher score increases the likelihood of receiving an ITA. Factors contributing to the CRS score include:

• Core Human Capital: Age, education, language proficiency, and work experience (maximum 600 points).
• Additional Points:
  • Sibling in Canada (maximum 10 points)
  • French language skills (maximum 80 points)
  • Canadian education (maximum 30 points)
  • Arranged employment (previously 50 or 200 points, now removed)
  • Provincial/Territorial Nomination (maximum 600 points)

Impact of LMIA Removal:

• Increased Competition: With LMIA-based points removed, competition for ITAs is likely to intensify, especially for candidates with lower scores.
• Focus on Alternative Pathways: Candidates may need to explore alternative pathways to increase their CRS scores, such as obtaining a Canadian education, improving their language skills, or pursuing Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
• Emphasis on Skilled Workers: The focus will likely remain on attracting highly skilled workers with strong human capital factors.

Recent TFWP Changes:

• Low-Wage Stream Suspension: The processing of LMIAs for the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) was suspended in September 2024.
• High-Wage Stream Requirements: The wage requirements for the high-wage stream were increased in November 2024.

Immigration Levels Plan:

The 2024 Immigration Levels Plan, which includes targets for temporary residents, reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to manage immigration levels and strengthen program integrity.

Key Takeaways for 2025:

• Adapt Your Strategy: Candidates should carefully assess their current CRS score and explore ways to enhance their profile through education, language training, or pursuing PNPs.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest changes to Express Entry and immigration policies.
• Consult with an Immigration Professional: Seek guidance from a qualified immigration consultant to understand your specific circumstances and develop a personalized immigration strategy.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.

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Written By

Vineet Tiwari

Vineet is a caring and creative leader who has lived in India, Oman, UAE, and Canada, giving him a rich multicultural perspective. His commitment to physical fitness keeps him energetic and focused. Vineet's dedication to his clients is evident as he often takes calls on weekends, ensuring they always feel supported and valued. His diverse background and unwavering availability help build strong, trusting relationships with our clients.