Trouble Ahead for Indian Students: Trudeau's Latest Order Explained; Details Inside

Canada (The Uttam Hindu): The Canadian government, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has announced significant changes to its immigration rules, set to take effect in 2025. The reforms to the Express Entry system will remove the additional points previously awarded to candidates with job offers. This change is aimed at curbing the illegal buying and selling of Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIA).

Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that the new rules would make the immigration process more transparent and fair, ensuring Canada continues to attract skilled workers. The LMIA is a crucial permit that helps candidates secure jobs in Canada, but the revised system will apply to all applicants. Candidates who have already received an invitation to apply will remain unaffected by these changes.

The Express Entry system, which manages key immigration programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class, selects candidates based on a points-based system. Previously, having a job offer added extra points, which benefited many Indian students and professionals seeking permanent residence. With the removal of this advantage, Indian candidates aiming to use job offers as a pathway to permanent residency may face greater challenges.

The new policy is expected to have a direct impact on the large Indian community in Canada, especially students and professionals. However, the Canadian government emphasizes that these changes are intended to improve the immigration system, reduce fraud, and ensure that the country continues to welcome genuine and skilled individuals to support its economy.