Canada is making significant changes to its immigration policy, particularly concerning the route to Permanent Residency (PR) through the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This decision is part of broader efforts to tighten entry and residency regulations, with the aim of reducing the number of PR to 114,000 over the next three years.
No More PR Points for LMIA Based Job Offers
The Canadian Immigration Ministry has decided to eliminate the Express Entry Points system for PR visas that were previously based on LMIA job offers.
This move aims to combat fraudulent practices where individuals paid off employers to obtain job offers illegally. It will significantly impact many people, particularly from India, who relied on this route to secure permanent residency.
Impact on Indian Immigrants
The LMIA route has been particularly popular among Indian immigrants due to its relatively quick and straightforward process. Last year, 52,100 Indians were granted PR via this method, accounting for 47% of the total PRs issued by Canada. The discontinuation of the point system linked to LMIA job offers means that prospective immigrants will face more challenges in securing PR.
LMIA
Introduced in 2014 as part of the Temporary Foreign Work Program, the LMIA was designed to address labor shortages in Canada. Employers could hire foreign workers if they obtained an LMIA, which then enabled foreign workers to apply for PR. The system awarded 50 points for general employment and up to 200 points for higher-level positions. With these points now removed, obtaining PR through an LMIA has become considerably more difficult.
Increasing Applications and Fraud Concerns
In the first quarter of this year alone, 71,300 LMIA applications were approved, a significant increase from the previous year’s 63,300. The bulk of these approvals were for roles in sectors like food service, agriculture, transportation, and construction. However, media reports have uncovered fraudulent activities, with employers and immigration agents selling LMIA visas for exorbitant fees ranging from $10,000 to $180,000.
Alternative Routes to Canadian PR
For those affected by these changes, alternatives are available. The Express Entry system remains the fastest way to obtain PR in Canada. It operates on a comprehensive ranking system where applicants need to score well on the IELTS exam. Additionally, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers another pathway, with the latest draw having a CRS cut-off of 727 points.
These changes underscore the importance of understanding the evolving landscape of Canadian immigration policies. Prospective immigrants must explore alternative pathways and ensure compliance with all legal requirements to achieve their dream of settling in Canada.
