LMIA no longer gains points in Express Entry 2025

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, has announced significant policy changes aimed at enhancing the integrity and efficiency of Canada's immigration system. Below are key changes:

1. Removal of LMIA-Based Points in Express Entry (Effective Spring 2025)

Candidates in the Express Entry pool will no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

This change addresses concerns over fraud, where individuals have exploited the system by illegally buying or selling LMIAs to boost their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

The policy will apply to all candidates in the Express Entry system, including current temporary workers in Canada seeking permanent residency.

Candidates who have already received an ITA or have applications in progress by spring 2025 will not be affected.

2. End of Flagpoling for Work and Study Permits (Effective December 23, 2024)

The practice of "flagpoling," where temporary residents in Canada exit and re-enter the country to process work or study permit applications at the border, has been discontinued.

Effective December 23, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET, individuals can no longer access immigration services at Canadian ports of entry through this method.

This measure aims to reduce strain on border resources and ensure that permit applications are processed through appropriate channels.

These changes reflect Canada's commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent immigration system, ensuring that pathways to permanent residence are based on genuine qualifications and adherence to legal processes.