In bid to curb fraud, Canada could stop awarding points for job offers under Express Entry Route

In bid to curb fraud, Canada could stop awarding points for job offers under Express Entry Route 

Lubna Kably TNN 20.12.2024 

In the coming year, Canada’s point-based immigration system is likely to undergo a significant change as the federal govt aims to tighten rules to curb fraudulent practices tied to job offers. Those applying for permanent residency through the Express Entry system will no longer receive additional points for job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), according to a recent statement made by immigration Marc Miller, Immigration Minister. 

“We are implementing further measures that will reinforce programme integrity and reduce potential LMIA fraud, such as removing additional points that candidates receive under Express Entry for having a job offer,” Miller stated during a recent television appearance. The exact date of implementation has not been announced, nor is there any official statement from Canada’s immigration agency. A senior manager’s role covered by the National Occupational Code fetches 200 points, all others with a LMIA-backed job offer get 50 points. The LMIA process requires Canadian employers to demonstrate that no suitable Canadian workers are available for a position before hiring a foreign worker. Recently Canadian media has highlighted cases where unscrupulous middlemen sold LMIA backed job offers at exorbitant prices. Miller’s proposed move is expected to nip this in the bud. 

India has continued to be the top source country for those getting invitations to apply for permanent residency under the Express Entry route. In 2023, nearly 52,100 Indians were invited to be permanent residents (bagging 47% of the total invites). The change, when introduced, could impact many Indians who were aspiring to become permanent residents in Canada. Several immigration experts and aspiring migrants view that this proposed measure is not the right step. “It is akin to throwing the baby out with the bath-water”, says a software professional who with a LMIA backed job was hoping to be a permanent resi dent in the coming months. TOI spoke to a few immigration experts. They point out that under the CRS mechanism age also plays a differential factor. Those in the peak of their youth get the maximum points. 

To illustrate, an individual in the age group of 20-29, who is aspiring for being a permanent resident gets an points of 110 if the application is without an accompanying spouse. An application with a spouse fetches 100 points. Those who are 40 years old get 50 and 45 points respectively. Once an individual is 45, nil points are awarded. “Thus, the 50-200 points awarded for a LMIA-backed job offer is crucial to many experienced professionals, especially those in the 40-plus bracket,” explains an immigration consultant. Even genuine candidates who hoped to rely on LMIAbacked points will now find it challenging to meet CRS cut-off scores and obtain permanent residency.