Last Updated On 6 January 2025, 8:24 AM EST (Toronto Time)

New IRCC Update: The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, has announced significant policy changes.

This new IRCC policy is aimed at bolstering the integrity and efficiency of Canada’s immigration system.

These changes will impact Express Entry candidates and those seeking work or study permits at Canadian borders.

Here’s what you need to know about these transformative measures.

Highlights of New IRCC Update

Spring 2025: LMIA-Backed Job Offers Lose Additional Points in Express Entry

Starting in spring 2025, candidates in the Express Entry pool will no longer receive additional points for having a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

This major change is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to reduce fraud within the immigration system.

Why Is This Change Being Made?

The LMIA process, designed to assess the need for hiring foreign workers when no qualified Canadians are available, has been exploited by fraudulent actors.

By offering additional Express Entry points for LMIA-backed job offers, the system inadvertently created an incentive for unscrupulous individuals to illegally buy or sell LMIAs to improve their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Minister Marc Miller emphasized that removing LMIA points will reduce fraud while ensuring fairness and transparency in the immigration process.

“Immigration is essential to our country’s economic success and growth,” Miller stated. “These changes support a responsive, well-managed, and fair immigration system.”

This change will come into effect in spring 2025. Once they take effect, the changes will impact candidates pursuing permanent residence through the Express Entry system, including those currently working in Canada temporarily.
— Marc Miller ᐅᑭᒫᐃᐧᐅᓃᐸᐄᐧᐤᐃᔨᐣ (@MarcMillerVM) December 23, 2024

Who Will Be Affected?

This policy change will affect all candidates in the Express Entry pool, including:

Current temporary workers in Canada seeking permanent residency.
New entrants to the Express Entry system.

Candidates who have already received an ITA or have an application in progress by spring 2025 will not be impacted.

However, once the policy is implemented, it will apply universally to all candidates with LMIA-backed job offers in the pool.

What Does This Mean for Employers and Workers?

Employers relying on LMIAs to support foreign workers’ permanent residency applications may need to adjust their strategies.

While LMIAs will still play a role in obtaining temporary work permits, they will no longer provide a direct advantage in the Express Entry system.

For workers, this underscores the importance of demonstrating skills and qualifications through other means, such as high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores based on language proficiency, education, and work experience.

December 23, 2024: Flagpoling for Work and Study Permits Ends

In another significant shift, the Canadian government has announced the end of “flagpoling” as a means to obtain or renew work and study permits.

Effective December 23, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET, individuals are no longer able to access immigration services at Canadian ports of entry by temporarily exiting and re-entering the country.

What Is Flagpoling?

Flagpoling is a practice where temporary residents in Canada—such as international students and workers—leave the country briefly, typically visiting the United States and re-enter to process work or study permit applications at the border.

While legal, this practice has placed a significant strain on border resources.

Why Is It Being Discontinued?

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported processing over 69,300 flagpoling requests between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.

The majority of these cases occurred in high-traffic regions like Southern Ontario, Quebec, and the Pacific.

According to the government, flagpoling has diverted critical resources away from border enforcement activities and contributed to delays for cross-border travelers.

By ending this practice, Canada aims to:

Streamline border operations.
Enhance border security.
Improve the overall efficiency of immigration services.

How Will This Impact Applicants?

Starting December 24, 2024, individuals seeking work or study permits will need to submit their applications directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) instead of relying on border services.

Exceptions to this rule will apply only in limited circumstances.

Flagpoling occurs when foreign nationals who hold temporary resident status in Canada, leave Canada and, after a visit to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, re-enter to access immigration services at a port of entry.
— Marc Miller ᐅᑭᒫᐃᐧᐅᓃᐸᐄᐧᐤᐃᔨᐣ (@MarcMillerVM) December 23, 2024

Exemptions to the New Rule

Certain individuals will still be allowed to process work and study permits at ports of entry. These exemptions include:

Citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States.
Professionals and technicians under free trade agreements with countries like the United States, Mexico, and South Korea.
Spouses or common-law partners of professionals under specific trade agreements.
International truck drivers who meet specific criteria.
Individuals with pre-existing CBSA appointments for permit processing.

Implications for Immigration and Border Management

For Express Entry Candidates

The removal of LMIA points from the Express Entry system aligns with Canada’s broader goal of creating a level playing field for all candidates.

By prioritizing skills and qualifications over job offers, the government ensures that the Express Entry system continues to attract top global talent without compromising on integrity.

For Temporary Residents

The end of flagpoling means temporary residents must plan their immigration applications more carefully.

Submitting complete and timely applications to IRCC will be crucial to avoid delays or disruptions in status.

For Border Operations

By eliminating flagpoling, the CBSA and its U.S. counterparts can allocate resources more effectively to enforcement and other critical activities.

This change is expected to reduce wait times and enhance the overall traveler experience at Canadian borders.

What’s Next for Canada’s Immigration System?

These changes underscore Canada’s commitment to maintaining a fair, efficient, and secure immigration system.

As the country continues to welcome newcomers to support its economic growth, policies like these aim to strike a balance between openness and rigor.

Candidates, employers, and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about these changes and plan accordingly.

With careful preparation and compliance, Canada’s immigration system can remain a global model for innovation and inclusivity.

Key Takeaways

Starting spring 2025, Express Entry candidates will no longer receive additional CRS points for LMIA-backed job offers.
Effective December 23, 2024, flagpoling at Canadian ports of entry for work and study permits is no longer be allowed.
Both changes aim to reduce fraud, streamline immigration processes, and enhance border security.
Exemptions to the flagpoling rule will apply in limited cases, such as for U.S. citizens and professionals under specific trade agreements.

As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, these changes highlight the importance of maintaining transparency, fairness, and security in welcoming newcomers to the country.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.