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By Jessica Thakur, December 31, 2024
Express Entry candidates aiming for Canadian permanent residency will soon lose the advantage of receiving additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The change was announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller during a televised interview on December 17, 2025.
Prior Benefits of LMIA-Based Job Offers
Previously, candidates with an LMIA-based job offer could receive an additional 50 or 200 CRS points, depending on the occupation. The additional points often played a crucial role in determining whether a candidate received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. For many, these points could mean the difference between receiving an ITA or remaining in the Express Entry pool.
Under the old system:
50 additional points were awarded for arranged employment in any NOC TEER occupation.
200 additional points were given for senior executive roles classified under NOC TEER 0 in major group 00.
This change eliminates those additional points entirely, a move expected to level the playing field for all candidates.
Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The CRS is a points-based system used to evaluate and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. A candidate’s CRS score is determined based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. These "core human capital" factors can contribute up to 600 points, depending on whether the candidate applies as a single individual or with a spouse.
Candidates could previously boost their scores by earning additional points through factors such as:
Having a sibling in Canada;
French language skills;
Canadian education credentials;
Provincial or territorial nominations; and
Arranged employment.
With the new policy, arranged employment will no longer provide a points advantage.
Why the Change?
Minister Miller cited the need to reduce fraud and enhance the integrity of Canada’s immigration system as the primary reasons for this change. “This measure is expected to remove the incentive for candidates to purchase an LMIA, resulting in increased fairness and integrity in Express Entry,” Miller said.
The government aims to prevent fraudulent practices where candidates pay for LMIAs solely to increase their CRS scores. By removing these points, the incentive to misuse LMIAs is reduced, ensuring that the system remains fair and equitable for all candidates.
The Impact on Express Entry Candidates
The removal of LMIA-based CRS points is expected to create a significant shift in how candidates strategize their applications. With no additional points for job offers, candidates will rely more heavily on core human capital factors such as language proficiency, education, and work experience.
For candidates in high-demand occupations, the change may not have a substantial impact, as provincial nomination programs (PNPs) will continue to provide a pathway to permanent residency. PNPs offer up to 600 additional CRS points and are often tailored to address regional labor market needs.
Context: Express Entry in 2024
In 2024, general and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws frequently had CRS cut-off scores above 500 points. Only category-based draws occasionally had sub-500 cut-offs. Candidates will need to carefully monitor the CRS score distributions and align their profiles accordingly.
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system will remain a key factor in Express Entry. To qualify, candidates must have an occupation in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 — collectively known as “skilled occupations.”
Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
This shift in policy coincides with recent changes to the TFWP. In September, the government suspended processing of LMIAs for low-wage streams and increased pay requirements for high-wage stream workers. Effective November 2025, high-wage stream workers must earn 20% above the median wage for their occupation and region.
The government’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025 includes a target of 82,000 net new TFWP work permits. These measures aim to align immigration policies with labor market needs while maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Looking Ahead
The removal of LMIA-based CRS points underscores Canada’s commitment to a transparent and equitable immigration system. While the change may pose challenges for some candidates, it also ensures that the Express Entry system prioritizes genuine human capital and regional labor market needs.
Candidates are encouraged to focus on optimizing their CRS scores through core factors and explore alternative pathways such as PNPs to enhance their chances of receiving an ITA. The changes mark a significant step towards reducing fraud and reinforcing fairness in Canada’s immigration processes.
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