Immigration Minister Marc Miller is taking bold steps to tackle one of the most pressing issues in Canada’s immigration system: the misuse of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). Miller’s proposed removal of bonus points for LMIAs under the Express Entry system reflects growing concerns over fraud and abuse within the program.
The LMIA, issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), is designed to justify the hiring of foreign workers for roles that Canadians cannot fill. While legitimate LMIAs award Express Entry applicants 50 to 200 points depending on the job type, they have also become a tool for exploitation.
Unscrupulous recruiters and employers have been selling fake job offers tied to LMIAs on the black market. Prices for these fraudulent documents can reach as high as $70,000. This practice not only exploits vulnerable international workers but also undermines the credibility of genuine applications.
“There’s a value to LMIA, but it can’t be $70,000 on the black market or the grey market,” Miller stated during an editorial meeting. He emphasized the need to eliminate the financial incentive for such fraud, hinting strongly at removing LMIA-based points entirely from the Express Entry system.
Miller acknowledges that the proposed changes could affect genuine applicants with valid LMIAs. “It’s a balancing act,” he explained, stressing the importance of protecting bona fide participants in the system while rooting out bad actors. Limited enforcement resources and competing priorities have made it challenging to address fraud effectively.
The LMIA fraud issue is part of a broader strain on Canada’s immigration framework. Rapid population growth driven by high levels of international students and temporary foreign workers has led to rising housing costs and affordability challenges, fueling public frustration.
In response, Miller has announced a 20% reduction in permanent resident admissions and caps on temporary resident numbers. These measures aim to address population pressures while ensuring that immigration pathways remain fair and accessible.
The removal of LMIA points could mark a turning point in Canada’s immigration policy. By prioritizing system integrity over short-term gains, Miller aims to restore trust in the process and protect Canada’s reputation as a destination for skilled immigrants.
While the details of these changes remain unclear, the message is evident: fraudulent practices in the immigration system will no longer be tolerated.
