And the churning continues! March has been an interesting month and will end on that note. Two significant changes will affect prospective immigrants:

1. Removal of LMIA Points from Express Entry

Effective March 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will eliminate the additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points previously awarded for job offers supported by Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA). Previously:

• 200 CRS points for job offers in senior management occupations (NOC Major Group 00).

• 50 CRS points for job offers in other skilled occupations.

These additional points encouraged fraudulent activity, including illegal buying and selling of LMIAs. Removing these points is intended to ensure fairness and transparency in the Express Entry system. Importantly, job offers will remain relevant for eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

Action required: No immediate action is needed by candidates already in the Express Entry pool. However, you should ensure your profile accurately reflects your employment status and qualifications.

2. Launch of the New Caregiver Program

On March 31, 2025, IRCC will introduce a revised Caregiver Immigration Program designed to streamline permanent residency pathways for caregivers working in Canada.

Summary of eligibility requirements:

• Work experience: Minimum of 12 months (full-time) Canadian work experience in a caregiver occupation within the last three years.

• Language skills: Minimum English or French language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5.

• Education: At least a one-year Canadian post-secondary credential or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) verifying foreign equivalence.

• Job offer: Must hold a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in an eligible caregiver occupation.

This new caregiver pathway aims to provide clearer, more accessible routes for caregivers contributing significantly to Canadian families and communities.

Remember this program is capped so get your typing finger speeds ready for the 31st!

Conclusion

These changes mark Canada’s continued commitment to fairness and integrity in immigration. Prospective applicants are encouraged to stay informed and seek professional advice to navigate these changes effectively.

At Tabula Rasa Immigration Services, we remain committed to guiding you smoothly through these policy updates, ensuring your journey to Canadian residency is straightforward and successful.