Canada Considers LMIA Changes Amid Crackdown on Immigration Fraud

Immigrants looking to increase their chances of obtaining permanent residency (PR) in Canada through employer sponsorship could soon lose that advantage. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that he is considering removing the extra points granted through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

He cited the black and grey markets surrounding the LMIA and indicated that he is seriously considering changes to the system.

Miller emphasized the need to crack down on fake job offers and confirmed that this is a priority moving forward. At the same time, Ontario is introducing tough legislation targeting immigration consultants in the province who mislead newcomers. The legislation will include heavy fines and even lifetime bans.

Additionally, the proposed legislation includes three- to ten-year bans for immigration officials caught violating the Ontario Immigration Act, along with lifetime bans for those convicted of human trafficking or passport withholding.