Many employers see the LMIA as the end goal, but it can also be a gateway to permanent residency (PR).
Understanding how LMIA-backed job offers affect Express Entry scores, GTS hiring, and long-term employee retention can help businesses avoid costly turnover and support their foreign talent’s future in Canada.
The LMIA–PR Connection: More Than Just a Work Permit
An approved LMIA doesn’t just allow a worker to enter or stay; it can also be used to earn 50 or 200 extra points in Canada’s Express Entry system. For many, this boost determines whether they receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
CRS Points Table: LMIA-Based Job Offers
| Job Type (NOC TEER) | CRS Points Granted | Examples |
| TEER 00 (Senior Mgmt) | 200 points | CEO, CFO, Engineering Directors |
| TEER 0–3 (Skilled roles) | 50 points | Project Managers, Chefs, Nurses |
A worker with a base CRS score of 465 could rise to 515 with a senior-level LMIA, a significant advantage in today’s competitive draws.
GTS: The Fast Lane for High-Skill Workers
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) allows approved employers to obtain an LMIA in just 2 weeks, bypassing the lengthy ad posting and justification steps of standard LMIAs.
Sample GTS Occupations & PR Transition Paths
| Occupation | PR Program | Transition Timeline |
| Software Engineer | CEC or FSWP | 1 year |
| Data Analyst | CEC | 1 year |
| Civil Engineer | FSWP or Provincial Nomination | 1–2 years |
These roles qualify for fast PR through Express Entry, especially once the worker completes 1 year of Canadian work experience.
PR Delays: When LMIA Compliance Fails
LMIA approval isn’t a one-time event, compliance is monitored for up to 6 years. Failure to follow conditions can harm not just the employer, but also the worker’s immigration path.
What Happens If the LMIA Is Revoked?
| Effect on Employer | Effect on Worker |
| Barred from future LMIA applications | Job offer becomes invalid |
| Subject to inspection and penalties | Loses CRS points in Express Entry |
| Reputational damage in regulated sectors | May be ineligible for permanent residency |
Retention Strategy: LMIA Should Lead to PR
Treating LMIAs as part of a long-term retention strategy helps employers:
- Reduce re-application stress every 12–24 months
- Keep key staff during growth periods
- Signal credibility to future candidates and auditors
The most successful employers support PR applications early, and in turn, build more loyal teams.
Need to align your hiring with long-term immigration goals?
Download the Work Permit Risk Playbook or book a free Immigration Audit Call with AskAïa to assess your risks and activate your centralized immigration tracker.
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