The Canadian government, in a bid to strengthen the integrity of its immigration system, has announced significant changes aimed at addressing Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) fraud.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed that applicants for temporary or permanent residency who have job offers supported by an LMIA will no longer receive additional points on their Express Entry scores.
This decision seeks to improve fairness and transparency in the immigration process.
Background on LMIA and Express Entry System
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The Express Entry system plays a critical role in managing applications for skilled workers. Applicants with a job offer backed by an LMIA currently receive a substantial advantage, receiving at least 50 additional points toward their permanent residency application.
However, this system has been exploited by some immigration agents and employers, leading to the sale of fraudulent LMIAs to prospective immigrants, often at exorbitant prices.
Key Points
Details
Express Entry System
Manages applications for skilled workers.
Job Offer & LMIA Advantage
Adds 50 points to an applicantโs score.
LMIA Fraud Issue
Some agents and employers sell LMIAs.
Sale Price of LMIAs
Ranges from CA$10,000 to CA$75,000.
Ministerโs Statement on the Policy Change
As part of ongoing efforts to prevent and reduce fraud, Express Entry candidates will no longer receive additional points for having a job offer. This temporary measure will reduce fraud by removing the incentive to illegally buy or sell labour market impact assessments.
โ Marc Miller แ แญแซแแงแ แแธแแงแคแแจแฃ (@MarcMillerVM) December 23, 2024
In his announcement, Minister Marc Miller highlighted that eliminating LMIA-backed job offers from the Express Entry process would remove the incentive for candidates to buy LMIAs.
This is expected to enhance the fairness of the immigration system and curb fraudulent activities that have undermined its integrity.
Objective of the Change
Impact Expected
Eliminate LMIA Incentive
Reduce fraudulent LMIA purchases.
Increase Fairness & Integrity
Improve transparency in immigration.
Focus on Genuine Applicants
Ensure applicants do not manipulate the system.
Increased LMIA Approvals and the Challenge of Fraud
The first quarter of 2024 saw 71,300 LMIA approvals, a significant increase from 63,300 in 2023. While this rise reflects a growing demand for skilled workers in Canada, it also highlights the scope of LMIA fraud.
Period
LMIA Approvals
Q1 2024
71,300
Q1 2023
63,300
Expert Opinions on the Policy Change
May we, Canadians, request that you pay attention to your file, Minister?
The rampant fraud in LMIA is screaming for corrective action: https://t.co/8Nr4x6N0GJ
โ Darshan Maharaja (@TheophanesRex) October 10, 2024
Immigration experts have mixed views about the governmentโs decision. While many support the move to combat fraud, concerns have been raised about its potential negative effects on legitimate LMIA workers and Canadaโs economy.
Some experts, like Naresh Chavda, advocate for improved screening processes instead of removing the LMIA category entirely.
Expert Name
Opinion
Naresh Chavda
Advocates for improved screening rather than removing LMIA.
Darshan Maharaja
It supports the policy but is cautious about the long-term impact.
Potential Long-Term Effects on Immigration and the Canadian Economy
While the policy aims to reduce fraud, immigration analysts caution that the full impact may not be immediate. The size of the LMIA fraud issue means it will take time to achieve significant change. Minister Millerโs statement did not provide a clear timeline for the policy’s full enforcement.
Potential Challenges
Expected Outcomes
LMIA Fraud Reduction
It may take time to see results.
Impact on the Canadian Economy
This could affect skilled worker immigration.
Implementation Timeline
No specific timeline was provided by the government.
The Canadian governmentโs new approach to eliminating LMIA-backed job offers from the Express Entry system reflects its commitment to tackling fraud and ensuring a fairer, more transparent immigration process.
As this policy change moves forward, the immigration community will be closely monitoring its effects on both applicants and the broader Canadian economy.
