Canada tightens immigration rules: Job offer won’t matter now, challenges ahead ahead for Indian aspirants
Immigration Minister Marc Miller also introduced a ban on “flagpoling,” a practice where individuals on temporary visas leave Canada for the U.S. and re-enter to access immigration services at a port of entry.
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The Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement expressing that all members of the Assistant High Commission in Agartala felt a profound sense of insecurity following a recent security breach. (Express File Photo)Indian students aspiring to migrate to Canada for better career opportunities may face new challenges under changes announced for the country’s Express Entry system. Starting spring 2025, candidates will no longer receive additional points for having a job offer, a move aimed at curbing fraudulent practices in immigration.
The Canadian government said this measure would help prevent the illegal buying and selling of labour market impact assessments (LMIAs), which some candidates use to improve their chances of being selected for permanent residency. The change will apply to all candidates in the Express Entry pool, including new applicants, but will not impact those who have already been invited to apply or have applications in progress.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, said the measure reinforces the integrity of the immigration system while ensuring 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.
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application system for permanent immigration under programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class, as well as parts of the Provincial Nominee Program. It plays a critical role in addressing Canada’s economic priorities, including supporting key sectors with skilled workers.
The Canadian government highlighted that immigration remains essential for economic growth and success. Recent updates, such as changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in 2022, allow for selecting immigrants based on attributes like specific work experience or French-language proficiency.
NO IMMIGRATION SERVICES AT THE BORDER
Immigration Minister Marc Miller also introduced a ban on “flagpoling,” a practice where individuals on temporary visas leave Canada for the U.S. and re-enter to access immigration services at a port of entry. The restriction, which prevents issuing work and study permits to those engaging in flagpoling, comes into effect immediately.
Last week, Miller announced that temporary visa holders seeking to extend their stay in Canada will now have to apply online. The Canadian Border Services Agency reported processing over 69,300 flagpoling cases during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
While the ban is comprehensive, exceptions remain for certain categories, including international truck drivers with valid work permits, professionals covered under specific free trade agreements, and American citizens. The plan to eliminate flagpoling was first unveiled on December 17, alongside Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who announced a $1.3 billion border control package.
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