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