The Truth About the Removal of LMIA Sponsorship Points
What You Need to Know
The 50 additional points for LMIA-backed job offers once provided a significant advantage in Canada's immigration system. For years, applicants relied on these points to boost their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores and secure permanent residency. But in December 2024, it was announced that these are being removed—and for good reason.
Why? Because too many people were abusing the system. Unscrupulous immigration consultants and lawyers exploited the system, selling fake or misleading job offers to desperate applicants, all while collecting hefty fees. Many of these applicants had no idea they were being led into a fraudulent process—until it was too late.
If you’re looking for a legitimate path to Canadian immigration, it’s critical to know the warning signs of immigration fraud and ensure you’re working with a trusted, experienced consultant like Egdal Immigration Consulting.
How the LMIA Sponsorship System Was Abused
The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) was originally designed to protect Canadian workers by ensuring that employers only hired foreign workers when no qualified Canadians were available. However, shady operators found ways to bypass the system—leading to the removal of the LMIA sponsorship points.
Common Methods of LMIA Abuse and Fraud
❌ Fake Job Offers – Some agencies sold job offers to foreign workers who never actually worked for the employer. In some cases, companies existed only on paper, serving as a front to issue fraudulent LMIAs.
❌ Pay-to-Work Schemes – In many cases, applicants were told they needed to pay the employer thousands of dollars to “secure” a job offer. This illegal practice led many immigrants into massive financial debt.
❌ Fly-by-Night Immigration Consultants – Unlicensed or unethical consultants made false promises about guaranteed LMIA approvals. Many clients paid upfront fees, only to have their applications rejected—or worse, get caught in immigration fraud investigations.
❌ Unpaid or Fake Work – Some applicants were given an LMIA but never received real wages. They were forced to pay their own salaries back to the employer to make it appear as if they had genuine work experience.
❌ Misrepresentation Risks – Applicants unknowingly became complicit in fraud, leading to visa denials, permanent bans from Canada, or even removal orders.
The Canadian government took action. By removing the 50-point LMIA advantage, immigration officials are now making it much harder for bad actors to manipulate the system.
What This Means for Honest Applicants
Many applicants did nothing wrong—they just trusted the wrong consultant. With the removal of LMIA points, it’s more important than ever to work with an honest, experienced immigration consultant who can provide legitimate pathways to permanent residency.
If you’ve been affected by these changes, you still have options. Canada’s immigration system is evolving, and there are still ways to strengthen your application—legally.
How to Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams
If you’re searching for a job offer or work permit, watch for these red flags:
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An employer asks you for money in exchange for an LMIA or job offer.
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An immigration consultant guarantees PR if you "just pay the right amount."
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A consultant or recruiter won’t provide a contract or proof of their licensing.
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You are told to pay your salary back to the employer after getting hired.
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You receive an LMIA approval, but you are not actually working for the company.
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You are asked to sign blank documents without reviewing them first.
If any of these apply to you, stop immediately and call us.
Egdal Immigration Consulting: Trusted, Ethical, and Experienced
Navigating Canadian immigration is complex—but you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Egdal Immigration Consulting, we have years of experience helping applicants legitimately secure work permits, employer sponsorships, and PR pathways.
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We follow all immigration laws and regulations
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We guide you toward real, sustainable immigration solutions
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We protect you from scams and fraudulent schemes
If you’re uncertain about your LMIA application or need a real immigration strategy that works, contact Egdal Immigration Consulting today.
🔹 Don’t risk your future—work with professionals who put your immigration success first.
📞 Call now to schedule your consultation. Let’s build your Canadian dream the right way.
