Will Removing LMIA Points from Express Entry Fuel Canadian Immigration Fraud?

The Canadian government recently announced that it will be removing Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based job offer points from the Express Entry system. This change, set to take effect in December 2024, has sparked mixed reactions among immigration stakeholders.
The government's rationale for this move is to combat immigration fraud, as LMIA-based job offers have been a common target for fraudulent activities. By eliminating these additional points, the government hopes to deter individuals from submitting fake or misleading job offers to gain an unfair advantage in the immigration process.
However, critics argue that removing LMIA points will have unintended consequences. They point out that genuine foreign workers may now face greater difficulty in obtaining permanent residency if they do not have other significant factors in their application, such as high language scores or a master's degree.
Moreover, some immigration experts believe that this change could foster a rise in illegal immigration. If legitimate pathways to permanent residency become more challenging, individuals may resort to working in Canada without authorization, leading to potential exploitation and labor market distortions.
The Express Entry system has been a cornerstone of Canada's immigration policy since its introduction in 2015. It has provided a streamlined and transparent process for skilled workers to apply for permanent residency. However, with the removal of LMIA points, concerns are being raised about the fairness and integrity of the system.
The impact of this policy shift on Express Entry is still uncertain. It is possible that the cutoff score for invitations to apply (ITAs) will decrease as fewer candidates qualify for the additional points. This could lead to larger pools of candidates, making it more competitive to receive an ITA.
The government has stated that it is committed to finding alternative measures to combat immigration fraud without disadvantaging legitimate applicants. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be effective in preventing fraudulent activities.
As this policy change approaches, it is crucial for the government to carefully monitor its impact and make adjustments if necessary. The integrity of Canada's immigration system should be upheld while ensuring that genuine foreign workers have fair access to opportunities in the country.