Canada’s recent announcement to eliminate additional CRS points for job offers under the Express Entry system, effective Spring 2025, has caused concern among many aspiring immigrants, particularly from Telugu-speaking regions in India. The change is expected to increase competition for permanent residency (PR) and extend wait times by three to five years, according to immigration experts.
Currently, candidates with job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) receive an additional 50 to 200 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This significant boost often helps candidates meet the threshold for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. However, the upcoming revision will remove this advantage, raising concerns about its impact on professionals relying on LMIA-backed job offers.
“I was just 300 points shy of the required CRS score and was counting on my LMIA-supported offer to bridge the gap,” said Ravi Kothapalli, a Toronto-based software engineer originally from Hyderabad. “Now it feels like the rules have changed midway, leaving my future uncertain.” Kothapalli moved to Canada in 2017 as an international student and later secured a job with a local firm.
The removal of LMIA points poses a significant challenge for older candidates, as the CRS system awards fewer points for age once a candidate turns 30. Without the LMIA advantage, professionals in their 30s and 40s may find it harder to meet the cut-off.
Industry experts note that the revised system will put greater emphasis on factors such as education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience. “This change underscores the need for candidates to build strong credentials and focus on core human capital factors,” said Saurabh Arora, an expert in international education from University Living.
What Are the Changes?
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, announced these revisions as part of a broader effort to enhance immigration integrity and border security. Key changes include:
Removal of Additional CRS Points for LMIA-Backed Job Offers: Previously, candidates with LMIA-supported offers could receive up to 200 extra points, significantly boosting their chances of securing an ITA.
Increased Focus on Core Criteria: Moving forward, applicants will be assessed primarily on factors like age, education, language skills, and Canadian work experience, making it crucial for candidates to excel in these areas.
Impact on Temporary Residents: The policy change also includes measures aimed at curbing fraudulent entries and misuse of temporary residency.
These changes are particularly concerning for IT professionals and older candidates, who may find it harder to compete under the revised system. Nonetheless, immigration consultants advise aspiring candidates to focus on enhancing their qualifications, gaining local experience, and improving language proficiency to remain competitive in the Express Entry pool.
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