Migrants seeking an edge in securing permanent residence through employer sponsorship may soon lose that advantage as Canada plans to crack down on fraudulent job offers in immigration applications.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed he is considering eliminating the extra points awarded to applicants with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from employers. The move would target fraudulent practices without penalizing genuine applicants.
Under the current system, which evaluates candidates based on factors like education and work experience, an LMIA-backed job offer provides a significant 50-point boost in an increasingly competitive pool. However, Miller expressed concerns about the exploitation of this system.
“There’s a value to LMIA, but it can’t be $70,000 on the black market or the grey market,” Miller said. “Not prejudicing people that have bona fide LMIAs, but it’s a balancing act. I think it’s safe to say I’m seriously considering it.”
Fraud and Broader Immigration Challenges
Addressing fraud is just one challenge within Canada’s immigration system, which has faced heightened scrutiny amid rising migration levels. Issues like the housing crisis, affordability concerns, and an overwhelmed asylum system have prompted Ottawa to reduce permanent resident admissions by 20% and cap temporary resident numbers to manage population growth.
Canada’s well-regarded immigration system has been under strain, particularly as study and work permit holders are increasingly blamed for exacerbating housing shortages. Additionally, concerns are growing over the potential impact of a second Trump administration, which could lead to a surge in irregular border crossings, as seen after 2016.
“We’re already taking measures, trying to make sure that Canada is ready for that to the point of immediacy,” Miller said, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with U.S. authorities to manage cross-border migration. He referred to past issues at Quebec’s Roxham Road, where many irregular migrants entered Canada, vowing to avoid a repeat of such situations.
Safe Third Country Agreement and Refugee Backlog
When asked about the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, which requires refugees to seek asylum in their first country of arrival, Miller refrained from commenting on whether Ottawa would reconsider its stance if future U.S. policies violate international norms. Instead, he underscored Canada’s commitment to respecting international obligations while continuously assessing its relationship with the U.S.
Canada’s refugee backlog has grown to 250,000 claims, a situation exacerbated by opposition to government measures to streamline the system. Miller noted plans to introduce additional measures to curb abuse of the asylum process, questioning the legitimacy of claims made years after a person’s arrival in Canada.
“Why does someone who has been in Canada for years get the same process as the person who shows up with nothing but the clothes on their back?” Miller asked, suggesting a possible redirection of such cases to ease pressure on the refugee board.
Public Opinion on Immigration Levels
A recent Environics poll revealed that a majority of Canadians believe the country has accepted too many immigrants, citing inflation and cost-of-living concerns. Miller acknowledged the challenges, stating, “When Canadians are saying we need to do a better job with migration, I don’t equate them with being anti-immigrant.”
While reiterating Canada’s historical openness to newcomers, Miller admitted that job-offer fraud is a significant issue that enforcement authorities have struggled to address due to competing priorities.
“We need to do more,” he said. “But we also have to take the value out of the LMIA fraud.”
Miller’s comments reflect a government seeking to balance maintaining Canada’s reputation as a welcoming country with addressing the practical challenges of managing immigration sustainably.