Ottawa: Indian professionals aspiring to migrate to Canada may face new challenges as the Canadian government announces major changes to its Express Entry immigration system. The overhaul includes significant modifications to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which determines eligibility for permanent residency.
Key Changes to the Express Entry System
Under the new rules, candidates will no longer receive additional CRS points for having a job offer. This change, expected to take effect by spring 2025, is designed to curb fraudulent practices involving the illegal buying and selling of labour market impact assessments (LMIAs).
“We are taking important steps to reduce fraud while continuing to attract the skilled talent our economy needs,” said Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. “Immigration has always been a cornerstone of Canada’s success, and we remain committed to welcoming the best and brightest to Canada so that everyone has access to quality jobs, homes, and supports they need to thrive.”
Impact on Applicants
The removal of job offer points will affect all candidates in the Express Entry pool, including those already working temporarily in Canada. However, candidates who have already been invited to apply for permanent residency or have submitted applications that include job offer points will not be impacted.
About the Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary platform for managing immigration applications from skilled workers. It encompasses the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and parts of the Provincial Nominee Program.
Eligible candidates create profiles on the official website and enter a pool where those with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residency. Applicants must then complete and submit their applications for review.
Canada Ends Flagpoling
In addition to the CRS changes, Canada has announced the immediate cessation of flagpoling, a practice where foreign nationals holding temporary resident status leave Canada and re-enter via a U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon port of entry to access immigration services.
“This practice has diverted significant resources at the border, delaying enforcement activities and increasing wait times for cross-border travellers,” the government stated.
These changes reflect Canada’s efforts to balance attracting skilled talent with maintaining the integrity of its immigration system, signaling a stricter approach to immigration processes moving forward.