To support your foreign worker’s transition to Permanent Residency (PR), you can apply for a Dual-Intent LMIA. This application is free of government charges and grants the worker either 50 or 200 Express Entry CRS points, depending on their NOC code.
Retaining highly skilled global talent is a top priority for many Canadian employers. While a standard work permit is a great short-term solution, helping your key employees transition to Permanent Residency (PR) guarantees their long-term commitment to your business.
Understanding the difference between a standard LMIA and a Dual-Intent LMIA is essential for supporting a worker’s Express Entry profile. Navigating the IRCC portals can be complex, so we recommend browsing our directory to find a knowledgeable immigration lawyer to properly guide you through the employer support process.
Step-by-Step B2B Guide to Supporting PR in Canada
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration system. Employers across the country, from Winnipeg to Ottawa, can significantly boost a worker’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by following these established steps.
Step 1: Choose the Right LMIA Pathway
If the worker is already employed with you on an LMIA-exempt work permit (like an Intra-Company Transfer or a Post-Graduation Work Permit), you will likely need to apply for a PR-support LMIA (Dual-Intent LMIA). This proves to ESDC that hiring this worker permanently will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market. 🍁
Step 2: Draft a Valid Offer of Employment
For IRCC to award the CRS points, you must provide a formal, written job offer. This offer must be continuous, paid, full-time (at least 30 hours a week), and guaranteed for at least one year after the PR visa is successfully issued. It cannot be seasonal or contract-based.
Step 3: Submit the PR-Support LMIA to ESDC
You must submit the application securely through the LMIA Online Portal. Unlike standard LMIAs, there is no government application fee for a PR-only LMIA. You still need to meet standard advertising requirements, proving that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available for the permanent role.
Step 4: Provide the LMIA Number to the Worker
Once ESDC approves the LMIA, you provide the positive LMIA letter and the official job offer to the worker. They will update their Express Entry profile with the new LMIA number, instantly receiving 50 points (for NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3) or 200 points (for Senior Management NOC TEER 00).
How Much Does It Cost the Employer?
Supporting PR is surprisingly cost-effective for Canadian employers, though professional legal assistance is standard practice.
| Service | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| PR-Support LMIA Fee | $0 CAD (ESDC waives the $1,000 fee if strictly for PR support). |
| Dual-Intent LMIA | $1,000 CAD (If you also need to extend their current work permit). |
| Lawyer Fees | Generally $2,500 to $5,000 CAD for full representation and drafting. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
A PR-support LMIA usually takes 1 to 3 months to process via Service Canada. Once the worker receives their extra CRS points and is invited to apply (ITA) for permanent residency, IRCC typically processes the PR application in about 6 months under the Express Entry system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Am I financially responsible for the worker if they get PR?
No. Unlike spousal sponsorships, an employer supporting a worker through Express Entry does not sign a financial undertaking. Your only commitment is to provide the job offer for at least one year after PR is granted.
Can the worker quit as soon as they get PR?
Legally, yes. Permanent Residents have absolute mobility rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, if they never intended to work for you after getting PR, it could be considered misrepresentation by IRCC.
What if my business is in Quebec?
Quebec operates its own immigration system outside of Express Entry. You would need to support the worker through the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) or the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) using the Arrima portal, adhering to local civil codes and regulations.
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