Canadian immigration authorities are considering eliminating the additional points applicants for temporary or permanent residency receive for having a job offer, as part of a broader effort to reduce fraud in the system.
Job offers currently fall under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a document employers must obtain before hiring foreign workers. For those applying for permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry program, having a valid job offer can add a minimum of 50 points to their score, significantly boosting their chances of selection.
The proposed change was announced by Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, during a press conference in Ottawa on Tuesday.
Miller emphasized the need for “further measures” to “reinforce program integrity and reduce LMIA fraud, such as removing additional points that candidates receive under Express Entry for having a job offer.” He added that the change would reduce incentives for applicants to “purchase” fraudulent LMIAs, enhancing fairness in the immigration system and issuing of permanent residency.
The issue of LMIA fraud
LMIA fraud has become a growing concern in Canada, with reports of immigration agents collaborating with employers to generate fraudulent LMIAs. Prospective immigrants are reportedly paying anywhere between CA$10,000 to CA$75,000 to secure these documents. Once an employer receives a “positive” LMIA, foreign workers can use it to apply for work permits or boost their PR applications under Express Entry.
Express Entry is Canada’s online immigration management system for skilled workers. It includes three programs:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
According to Financial Post, the Canadian government approved 71,300 LMIAs in the first quarter of 2024, up from 63,300 during the same period in 2023.
Industry reactions
Naresh Chavda, president of Globayan Immigration Corporation, acknowledged that the measure could reduce fraud and aligns with the government’s aim to curb immigration. However, he cautioned that it could also harm genuine LMIA workers with specialized skills, impacting employers and the broader Canadian economy.
“To prevent fraud, the Government of Canada needs to improve its screening process rather than completely eliminating LMIA points under Express Entry,” Chavda argued.
Immigration analyst Darshan Maharaja noted that the “sale” of LMIAs has been openly advertised on social media, distorting Canada’s labor market. While he welcomed the proposal, he urged caution, saying, “The removal of points for LMIAs will help undo this damage, but expectations must remain realistic given the scale of the problem.”
Next steps
The government has not provided a timeline for implementing these legislative changes. Critics stress the need for better enforcement and improved oversight to address LMIA fraud without undermining legitimate workers or employers.
