Marc Miller’s Consideration to Remove LMIA Points in Canada’s Immigration System
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, is considering a significant reform in immigration policy by potentially eliminating bonus points for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) under the Express Entry system. Currently, applicants with an LMIA receive a boost of 50 points, which increases to 200 points for management positions classified under TEER 0 (Major Group 00). These points greatly enhance an applicant’s competitiveness in the Express Entry pool.

However, concerns over LMIA misuse have emerged, with reports of 50-point LMIAs being traded on the black market to artificially improve applicants’ scores. Miller acknowledged this issue in an interview, noting that such practices undermine the integrity of the system. “The value of LMIAs cannot be tied to unethical practices like selling them for $70,000,” Miller stated. He emphasized the need to remove incentives for fraudulent job offers, aiming to restore trust in the system by potentially eliminating LMIA points entirely.

Challenges and Broader Implications

Fraudulent job offers have been a long-standing issue, but enforcement remains challenging due to resource constraints. Miller emphasized that stronger measures are necessary to combat fraud and ensure the system is fair. This potential change aligns with other immigration reforms, such as addressing the growing asylum claim backlog, now exceeding 250,000 cases.

The government is also responding to public concerns about immigration levels, as a recent poll revealed a majority believe Canada is admitting too many immigrants. In response, Miller announced a 20% reduction in permanent resident admissions and a cap on temporary resident permits.

Future Migration Patterns and Preparations

With the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the U.S. presidency, Canada is preparing for potential spikes in irregular migration at its southern border. Miller stressed the importance of proactive measures and collaboration with the U.S. to prevent a repeat of past surges.

Balancing Integrity and Fairness

The proposed removal of LMIA points reflects Canada’s commitment to addressing fraud while maintaining fairness for genuine applicants. Alongside tackling asylum backlogs and adapting to migration shifts, these changes aim to ensure Canada’s immigration system remains sustainable and aligned with public expectations.