On March 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially removed the additional CRS points for “Arranged Employment” in the Express Entry system—even if the job offer was supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This policy shift sent shockwaves through the immigration community. But how many people actually benefited from LMIA-related CRS points before this change? A recently released internal report sheds light on the numbers—and offers important insights for future applicants.
How Many Candidates Had LMIA Points?
According to the IRCC report:
50-point boost recipients: 36,150 people
200-point boost recipients: 1,020 people
Total with LMIA bonus: 37,170 candidates
That’s a significant share of the Express Entry pool whose profiles just took a hit.
Where Were They From? Top 5 Countries by LMIA Points
India: 23,280 (62.6% of total, including 465 who got 200 points)
Philippines: 3,340
China: 1,445 (145 received 200 points)
Mexico: 670
South Korea: 635
Together, these five countries made up nearly 79% of all LMIA-point recipients. Other notable countries included Pakistan, Brazil, Nigeria, the UK, Vietnam, and Iran.
How Were These Candidates Distributed Across Programs?
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
No LMIA points: 148,505
+50 points: 23,300
+200 points: 935
➡️ Total FSW candidates: 172,740
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
No LMIA points: 120,220
+50 points: 33,400
+200 points: 290
➡️ Total CEC candidates: 153,910
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
No LMIA points: 445
+50 points: 6,720
➡️ Total FST candidates: 7,165
(Note: Some overlap exists as candidates may qualify under more than one program.)
Category Breakdown at a Glance
FSW: ~50% of the total Express Entry pool
CEC: ~45%
FST: ~2%
The CEC category has been growing fast, highlighting how many applicants are choosing to gain Canadian work experience before applying for PR.
What’s Next for Express Entry? Key Predictions
With LMIA points out of the equation, future Express Entry draws will likely focus more on core human capital factors. Here’s what we expect:
1️⃣ Language & Education Take Center Stage
Better IELTS or TEF scores and higher education credentials will drive higher CRS scores. French proficiency, in particular, offers a significant competitive edge.
2️⃣ Category-Based Selection Will Dominate
IRCC will likely continue prioritizing key sectors like healthcare, STEM, and trades. Candidates should watch for updates on targeted occupations.
3️⃣ Mixed Work Experience Has an Edge
Applicants with both overseas and Canadian experience may fare better than those with only one type. A balanced profile is becoming more valuable.
Altec Global’s Strategic Tips:
✔️ Improve your English or French scores—French especially can unlock major points.
✔️ Ensure your job matches the right NOC code to align with Express Entry categories.
✔️ Strategically combine overseas + local work experience for optimal scoring.
✔️ Submit your profile when your score is strongest—timing matters!
✔️ Never use fake documents. Misrepresentation can lead to a 5-year ban.
Let’s Plan Your Path Together
At Altec Global, we’ve spent over 30 years guiding clients to success in Canada. We understand the complexities of the Canadian immigration system and are dedicated to helping applicants overcome these obstacles. Whether you’re looking to transition from study to PR, pursue employer sponsorship, or explore business immigration through the Start-Up Visa (SUV), our team is here to guide you through the process and help make your Canadian dream a reality.
Our Services Include:
happ✅ One-on-one eligibility assessments
✅ CRS score optimization plans
✅ Tailored immigration strategies
✅ Document preparation and case support
Ready to take the next step? Contact Us today and let’s build your roadmap to permanent residency.