In a significant policy change, the Canadian government announced that starting in the spring of 2025, candidates applying for permanent residency through the Express Entry system will no longer receive additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for having a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based job offer. Currently, candidates can earn 50 or 200 extra CRS points for having an LMIA-based job offer, depending on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) of the position. The 50 points can be pivotal for candidates on the edge of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency, while the 200 points apply to high-level executive positions in certain industries. Immigration Minister Marc Miller made the announcement on December 17, 2024, during a televised interview, emphasizing that the change would come into effect in the spring of 2025. The move is designed to strengthen the integrity of the Express Entry system by reducing the potential for LMIA fraud and ensuring fairer competition for all candidates. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) currently evaluates Express Entry candidates on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Candidates can score up to 600 points for core human capital factors, with additional points available for factors like French language skills, Canadian education, and provincial nominations. The elimination of LMIA-based job offer points will remove one of the pathways through which candidates could significantly boost their CRS scores. This change comes in response to broader concerns about the integrity of the immigration system, with the government taking steps to combat potential fraud in the LMIA process. The LMIA is a requirement for employers looking to hire foreign nationals through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), with the Canadian government having previously suspended processing of LMIAs for low-wage occupations and introduced stricter pay requirements for high-wage streams. The policy shift is part of Canada's broader immigration strategy, which includes a target for net new TFWP work permits set at 82,000 for 2025. As the spring 2025 implementation date approaches, candidates and immigration professionals are urged to keep a close eye on further updates regarding Express Entry draws and any additional changes to the system.