Immigration Minister Marc Miller is contemplating a major shift in Canada’s immigration policy: The cuts include, but are not limited to, the possible abolishment of the additional 10 points awarded to the persons who apply for permanent residence with LMIAs.
The LMIA document which is issued by the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is currently worth 50 points under the Express Entry system and 200 points if you are applying for a Management position TEER 0 Major group 00.
These points have the added advantage of making it to the shortlist in a raging pool much more likely.
While 200 point LMIAs are not famous for being “sold” for the point purpose, 50 point LMIAs sold for a mere purpose of getting the points only are very common.
As much as Miller appreciated the work that LMIAs offer to the Canadian economy during the interview with the Star editorial board, he elaborated on potential abuses of the system.
Said Miller: “There is a value in LMIA, but it is not $70,000 on the black market or the grey market.” “I am even thinking of taking it out.”
Why the LMIA System is Under Scrutiny
Although intended to confirm that Canadian employers require foreign workers to fill certain jobs, LMIA has emerged as an area of fraud.
Employers and several recruiters have been involved in fraud especially when international students and temporary workers are involved in devising fake job offers and selling them at high prices.
This illegitimate practice puts in doubt the whole LMIA program and hurts good employers and workers.
“It is a delicatethers, ” said Miller. “Now essentially not harming people who have bona fide LMIAs, but I guess I’m very close to being extremely serious about [removing the points].”
Immigration Fraud and Enforcement Challenges
Miller agreed that scam job offers exist, but he explained that enforcement has been a challenge mainly due to lack of funding and other priorities.
“But we can do better,” he said, adding that much more has to be done with regards to lessening the financial incentive that fuels LMIA fraud.
In their efforts to rid Ottawa of the extra points, they hope to reduce instances of fraudulent job offers that otherwise flood immigration systems in the country.
The Minister also shared more general observations about these challenges, in particular how the perception and the economic factors influence the immigration policy.
Public Sentiment and Immigration Levels
Canada’s immigration system, once hailed globally for its efficiency, is under intense scrutiny.
Rapid population growth due to high levels of study and work permit holders has been linked to the country’s housing and affordability crisis.
A recent Environics poll revealed that, for the first time in 25 years, a majority of Canadians feel the country has accepted too many immigrants.
Miller acknowledged these concerns: “When Canadians are saying we need to do a better job with migration, I don’t equate them with being anti-immigrant,” he explained.
“This is a country that is very accepting of others, but there’s a real problem with our capacity to absorb so many newcomers in a short timeframe.”
In response, Miller recently announced a 20% reduction in permanent resident admissions and a cap on temporary resident numbers to ease population pressures.
Asylum Backlog and Irregular Migration
Another important concern is that Canada’s asylum claim backlog has reached a record high and is equal to 250,000.
The backlog has impacted the resources used and the time the asylum seekers take to be processed.
Miller complained about the current system of keeping much of its homeless population, especially those that refused to renew their permits as new asylums and refugees.
“There are many other measures that I will be putting into place to enhance and restrict individuals’ chances to exploit the asylum system,” Miller said.
That is why, he proposed to redirect some of them aimed at focusing on “true cases” in the list of backlogs.
Preparing for Potential Irregular Migration Under a Trump Administration
As Donald Trump may run for the presidency again, Miller predicted an increase in rates of cross-border irregular migration in the south of Canada.
Some several thousand asylum seekers including Central Americans and Africans entered Canada through Roxham Road in Quebec during Trump’s previous administration but outside of the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement.
“We cannot witness the same scenario like Roxham Road again,” Miller said, inputting the importance of preventing such cases and increasing cooperation with the US counterparts.
When asked whether Canada needs to withdraw from the Safe Third Country Agreement, Miller did not answer, saying only that Canada has to follow international obligations.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Integrity and Accessibility
As Canada continues to face ever increasing hurdles in the immigration framework, Miller’s suggested reforms contain a measure of finesse.
The proposed reduction or complete abolishment of LMIA points has been informed by fraud, though the government promises to do justice to the deserving and genuine candidates. But here, it is only half the story.
To reduce fraud, clear the refugee backlog, prevent crises from escalating and adapt to changing migration trends will need combined efforts.
For Miller, the goal is clear: to make sure that the Canadian system of immigration remains both objective as well as keeps such essential values as globalisation balance and Canada’s ability to handle immigrants adequately.
FAQs: The Future of LMIA Points and Canadian Immigration
But why is the LMIA system being reconsidered?
This LMIA system has also attracted fraud, where people are selling fake jobs to applicants in the black market. This exploitation may be checked if the extra points for LMIAs had been done away with as pointed out above.
What changes may be effected on Asylum claims?
Miller proposed filtering out the actual backlog of appeals based on cases with non-serious individuals who seek asylum after permit expiry or renewal rejection.
As it pertains to irregular migration, how will Canada adapt under the Trump administration of the United States of America?
Miller stressed better cooperation with the U.S. partners and the need for the adequate preventive measures at the borders of the two countries to avoid the problems connected with migration waves.
Will the government of Canada decrease the number of admissions for immigrants in general?
Miller has recently declared that there will be a cut of 20% on the admission of permanent residents and have also limited the accesses of the temporary residents in view of the housing and affordability crisis.
What is the Safe Third Country Agreement, and will Canada get out of it?
The deal allows them to seek refugee status in the first country of their arrival.
Of course, Miller has not indicated whether Canada will withdraw but insisted on the principle of international responsibilities.
When the federal government implements LMIA and when dealing with these complex issues, Canadians’ concerns, eradication of fraud, and fairness are well considered under broader immigration policies with the changes to the LMIA system.
All these changes will undoubtedly define the future of the immigration system in Canada.
LMIA Points for Permanent Residency – Marc Miller May Bring Its End
Immigration Minister Marc Miller is contemplating a major shift in Canada’s immigration policy: The cuts include, but are not limited to, the possible abolishment of the additional 10 points awarded to the persons who apply for permanent residence with LMIAs.
The LMIA document which is issued by the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is currently worth 50 points under the Express Entry system and 200 points if you are applying for a Management position TEER 0 Major group 00.
These points have the added advantage of making it to the shortlist in a raging pool much more likely.
While 200 point LMIAs are not famous for being “sold” for the point purpose, 50 point LMIAs sold for a mere purpose of getting the points only are very common.
As much as Miller appreciated the work that LMIAs offer to the Canadian economy during the interview with the Star editorial board, he elaborated on potential abuses of the system.
Said Miller: “There is a value in LMIA, but it is not $70,000 on the black market or the grey market.” “I am even thinking of taking it out.”
Why the LMIA System is Under Scrutiny
Although intended to confirm that Canadian employers require foreign workers to fill certain jobs, LMIA has emerged as an area of fraud.
Employers and several recruiters have been involved in fraud especially when international students and temporary workers are involved in devising fake job offers and selling them at high prices.
This illegitimate practice puts in doubt the whole LMIA program and hurts good employers and workers.
“It is a delicatethers, ” said Miller. “Now essentially not harming people who have bona fide LMIAs, but I guess I’m very close to being extremely serious about [removing the points].”
Immigration Fraud and Enforcement Challenges
Miller agreed that scam job offers exist, but he explained that enforcement has been a challenge mainly due to lack of funding and other priorities.
“But we can do better,” he said, adding that much more has to be done with regards to lessening the financial incentive that fuels LMIA fraud.
In their efforts to rid Ottawa of the extra points, they hope to reduce instances of fraudulent job offers that otherwise flood immigration systems in the country.
The Minister also shared more general observations about these challenges, in particular how the perception and the economic factors influence the immigration policy.
Public Sentiment and Immigration Levels
Canada’s immigration system, once hailed globally for its efficiency, is under intense scrutiny.
Rapid population growth due to high levels of study and work permit holders has been linked to the country’s housing and affordability crisis.
A recent Environics poll revealed that, for the first time in 25 years, a majority of Canadians feel the country has accepted too many immigrants.
Miller acknowledged these concerns: “When Canadians are saying we need to do a better job with migration, I don’t equate them with being anti-immigrant,” he explained.
“This is a country that is very accepting of others, but there’s a real problem with our capacity to absorb so many newcomers in a short timeframe.”
In response, Miller recently announced a 20% reduction in permanent resident admissions and a cap on temporary resident numbers to ease population pressures.
Asylum Backlog and Irregular Migration
Another important concern is that Canada’s asylum claim backlog has reached a record high and is equal to 250,000.
The backlog has impacted the resources used and the time the asylum seekers take to be processed.
Miller complained about the current system of keeping much of its homeless population, especially those that refused to renew their permits as new asylums and refugees.
“There are many other measures that I will be putting into place to enhance and restrict individuals’ chances to exploit the asylum system,” Miller said.
That is why, he proposed to redirect some of them aimed at focusing on “true cases” in the list of backlogs.
Preparing for Potential Irregular Migration Under a Trump Administration
As Donald Trump may run for the presidency again, Miller predicted an increase in rates of cross-border irregular migration in the south of Canada.
Some several thousand asylum seekers including Central Americans and Africans entered Canada through Roxham Road in Quebec during Trump’s previous administration but outside of the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement.
“We cannot witness the same scenario like Roxham Road again,” Miller said, inputting the importance of preventing such cases and increasing cooperation with the US counterparts.
When asked whether Canada needs to withdraw from the Safe Third Country Agreement, Miller did not answer, saying only that Canada has to follow international obligations.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Integrity and Accessibility
As Canada continues to face ever increasing hurdles in the immigration framework, Miller’s suggested reforms contain a measure of finesse.
The proposed reduction or complete abolishment of LMIA points has been informed by fraud, though the government promises to do justice to the deserving and genuine candidates. But here, it is only half the story.
To reduce fraud, clear the refugee backlog, prevent crises from escalating and adapt to changing migration trends will need combined efforts.
For Miller, the goal is clear: to make sure that the Canadian system of immigration remains both objective as well as keeps such essential values as globalisation balance and Canada’s ability to handle immigrants adequately.
FAQs: The Future of LMIA Points and Canadian Immigration
But why is the LMIA system being reconsidered?
This LMIA system has also attracted fraud, where people are selling fake jobs to applicants in the black market. This exploitation may be checked if the extra points for LMIAs had been done away with as pointed out above.
What changes may be effected on Asylum claims?
Miller proposed filtering out the actual backlog of appeals based on cases with non-serious individuals who seek asylum after permit expiry or renewal rejection.
As it pertains to irregular migration, how will Canada adapt under the Trump administration of the United States of America?
Miller stressed better cooperation with the U.S. partners and the need for the adequate preventive measures at the borders of the two countries to avoid the problems connected with migration waves.
Will the government of Canada decrease the number of admissions for immigrants in general?
Miller has recently declared that there will be a cut of 20% on the admission of permanent residents and have also limited the accesses of the temporary residents in view of the housing and affordability crisis.
What is the Safe Third Country Agreement, and will Canada get out of it?
The deal allows them to seek refugee status in the first country of their arrival.
Of course, Miller has not indicated whether Canada will withdraw but insisted on the principle of international responsibilities.
When the federal government implements LMIA and when dealing with these complex issues, Canadians’ concerns, eradication of fraud, and fairness are well considered under broader immigration policies with the changes to the LMIA system.
All these changes will undoubtedly define the future of the immigration system in Canada.
Author: Sam Gill
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