Indian students aspiring to immigrate to Canada for better career opportunities may face new challenges under the announced changes to the country’s Express Entry system. From spring 2025, candidates will no longer receive additional points for a job offer, this is intended to prevent fraudulent practices in immigration.
The Canadian government says the measure will help prevent the illegal buying and selling of Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), which some candidates use to improve their chances of being selected for permanent residency. This change will apply to all candidates in the Express Entry pool, including new applicants, but will not affect those who have already been invited to apply or have applications in process.
Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Mark Miller said the measure will strengthen the integrity of the immigration system and ensure the country continues to attract skilled talent. “We are taking important steps to reduce fraud while continuing to attract the skilled talent our economy needs,” Miller said.
Canada’s principal application system for permanent immigration under programs such as the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class, as well as parts of the Provincial Nominee Program yes It plays an important role in addressing Canada’s economic priorities, including supporting key sectors with skilled workers.
The Canadian government has highlighted that immigration is essential to economic growth and success. Recent updates, such as changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in 2022, allow immigrants to be selected based on characteristics such as specific work experience or French-language proficiency.
There are no immigration services at the border
Immigration Minister Mark Miller also introduced a ban on “flagpolling,” the practice in which people on temporary visas travel from Canada to the U.S. and re-enter to access immigration services at a port of entry. The ban, which prevents the issuance of work and study permits to those involved in flagpolling, comes into effect immediately.
Last week, Miller announced that temporary visa holders wishing to extend their stay in Canada will now have to apply online. The Canadian Border Services Agency reported processing 69,300 flagpole cases in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
While the ban is broad, exceptions remain for certain categories, including international truck drivers with valid work permits, professionals covered under specific free trade agreements, and US citizens. The plan to eliminate flagpolling was first unveiled on December 17, with Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc announcing a $1.3 billion border control package.
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