
IRCC to remove LMIA-based job offer points from Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System- 2025
IRCC to Eliminate LMIA-Based Job Offer Points in Express Entry CRS by 2025
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a significant change to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used in Express Entry. Starting in the spring of 2025, candidates will no longer receive additional CRS points for having a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based job offer. This policy shift aims to enhance fairness and integrity in Canada’s immigration system.
Key Highlights of the Change
Before this change, candidates with an LMIA-based job offer could earn an additional 50 or 200 CRS points. These points often played a pivotal role in determining whether a candidate received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. For many, an additional 50 points could mean the difference between receiving an ITA and being left in the pool of applicants.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this update on December 17, 2024. The policy is set to take effect in spring 2025, giving candidates ample time to adjust their strategies.
Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The CRS is the scoring mechanism used by the Canadian government to rank Express Entry candidates. Scores are calculated out of 1,200 points, based on various factors including:
-
Age
-
Education
-
Language Proficiency
-
Work Experience
Core human capital factors account for up to 600 points, while candidates can earn up to 600 additional points through other criteria, such as:
-
Having a sibling in Canada
-
French language proficiency
-
Canadian post-secondary education
-
Provincial or territorial nominations
-
Arranged employment (to be removed in 2025)
Currently, arranged employment offers 50 additional points for roles in any NOC TEER category and 200 points for NOC TEER 0 occupations, which include executive leadership positions.
Impact on Express Entry Candidates
The removal of LMIA-based job offer points is expected to reshape the Express Entry landscape. Throughout 2024, many draws—particularly general and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws—had CRS cut-off scores above 500. Removing these additional points could lower the overall cut-off thresholds, potentially benefiting candidates with strong core human capital scores.
The Role of NOC and TEER in Express Entry
Canada uses the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system to categorize jobs based on duties and responsibilities. Occupations are further classified by Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) levels, ranging from 0 to 5:
-
TEER 0: Executive and senior management roles
-
TEER 1–3: Skilled occupations eligible for Express Entry
-
TEER 4–5: Lower-skilled jobs, generally not eligible
To qualify for Express Entry, candidates must have experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Updates
The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals through work permits, provided they obtain a positive or neutral LMIA. However, recent changes to the TFWP include:
-
Suspension of LMIA processing for the low-wage stream (September 2024).
-
Increased wage requirements for high-wage streams (November 2024), now requiring workers to earn 20% above the median wage in their region.
The government’s latest Immigration Levels Plan sets a target of 82,000 net new TFWP work permits for 2025, reflecting its focus on maintaining a balanced approach to immigration.
Rationale Behind the Change
The decision to remove LMIA-based job offer points is rooted in preventing fraud and improving fairness within the immigration system. Minister Miller emphasized that the measure aims to reduce incentives for candidates to purchase fraudulent LMIAs, thereby strengthening the system’s integrity.
Preparing for the Future
As the 2025 implementation approaches, candidates should focus on enhancing their CRS scores through core human capital factors, provincial nominations, and other eligible avenues. Staying informed and adapting to these changes will be key to successfully navigating the Express Entry system.
Conclusion
This landmark change underscores Canada’s commitment to fostering a transparent and equitable immigration process. By eliminating LMIA-based job offer points, the IRCC is paving the way for a more integrity-driven system that prioritizes genuine skill and human capital.
This content is created for informational purposes only and reflects the latest updates regarding Canada’s immigration policies as of December 2024. The details provided are based on publicly available information and announcements from IRCC. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to consult official sources or immigration experts for personalized advice and the most current regulations.