PR-Supporting (Dual Intent) LMIA
A dual-intent LMIA supports both a temporary work permit and a permanent residence application. Its value changed fundamentally on 25 March 2025, when IRCC removed arranged-employment points from the Comprehensive Ranking System. If someone is still selling you an LMIA on the promise of 200 CRS points, they are describing a rule that ended over a year ago.
What actually changed
Until March 2025, a valid job offer backed by an LMIA added 200 CRS points for a senior management occupation and 50 points for other skilled occupations. Those points were removed entirely on 25 March 2025, and the change applied to candidates already sitting in the pool, not just new profiles.
IRCC has described the removal as temporary and is consulting on replacing it with points tied to high Canadian wages — around 1.3, 1.5 or 2 times the national median. Nothing is in force, and a consultation is not a rule.
This is the correction we make most often. People have spent a year and several thousand dollars pursuing an LMIA on the strength of points that no longer exist. Before you commit, get a straight answer about what it will actually do for your file.
Where a job offer still counts
- ● Provincial nominations. Many streams are employer-driven and require a genuine ongoing offer — and a nomination is worth 600 CRS points, which no job offer ever was.
- ● Federal Skilled Trades eligibility. A valid one-year offer is required unless you hold a provincial certificate of qualification.
- ● The Federal Skilled Worker selection grid. Arranged employment is still worth up to 10 of the 67 points on that separate grid.
- ● Proof of funds. FSW and FST applicants who are authorised to work in Canada with a valid offer are exempt from showing settlement funds.
- ● Atlantic Immigration Program, RCIP and FCIP. All three require a job offer from a designated employer — no LMIA needed for AIP.
What a dual-intent LMIA involves
The employer applies to ESDC for an LMIA that names both purposes. The recruitment, wage and advertising requirements are those of the underlying stream — high-wage or low-wage — and processing has been running around 86 business days. The $1,000 fee applies.
Dual intent is lawful and expected: wanting to stay permanently does not undermine a temporary work permit application. What matters is that both intentions are properly declared and consistent across the file.
The honest assessment
For some clients an employer-supported route is still the right answer — particularly where the province runs an employer-driven stream, or where the alternative is no Canadian work experience at all. For others, the same money and time would be better spent on language testing, a credential assessment, or positioning for a category-based Express Entry draw.
We will tell you which, and we will not sell you an LMIA to chase points that were withdrawn in March 2025.
Reviewed by a licensed RCIC · Last updated 13 August 2026. Immigration rules change often — confirm anything time-sensitive with us or on canada.ca.
Looking for related services? See our full LMIA overview or all services.
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Frequently asked questions
Does an LMIA still give 50 or 200 CRS points?
No. Arranged-employment points were removed from the CRS on 25 March 2025, for candidates already in the pool as well as new ones. Any website, agent or consultant still quoting 50 or 200 points has not updated their material in over a year, which tells you something about the advice.
Are the points coming back?
IRCC has called the removal temporary and is consulting on points tied to high Canadian wages instead. Nothing has been enacted. It would be unwise to build a plan on a consultation document, and we would not advise a client to spend money on that basis.
So is a job offer worthless now?
Not at all — it just works differently. It can make you eligible for an employer-driven provincial stream, which is worth 600 points through the nomination. It is required for Federal Skilled Trades unless you hold a certificate of qualification. It is worth up to 10 points on the FSW selection grid, and it can exempt you from proof of funds.
How long does a PR-supporting LMIA take?
Around 86 business days as at July 2026 — roughly four months. Add the work permit application on top, and the recruitment period before it. This is not a fast route, and planning around it matters.
Can I apply for permanent residence and a work permit at the same time?
Yes. Dual intent is expressly permitted: intending to become a permanent resident does not disqualify you from a temporary permit, provided you satisfy the officer you will comply with the conditions of the temporary status. Both intentions should be declared consistently across the file.
Still unsure how this applies to your case? Book an appointment with a licensed RCIC.
More LMIA services
Other pathways we handle in this area — or talk to a licensed RCIC about which fits your case.
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