Does working in Canada on an LMIA-backed work permit help me get permanent residence?

Working in Canada on a valid work permit — including one backed by an LMIA — can help you qualify for permanent residence through several federal pathways. The most significant is the Express Entry system, which manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Canadian work experience gained on a valid work permit is a core qualification for the Canadian Experience Class — the PR stream specifically designed for temporary workers who have already been working in Canada. The more qualifying work experience you accumulate in a skilled occupation, the stronger your profile in the Express Entry pool.

The LMIA itself does not directly give points in Express Entry, and whether a job offer currently adds any Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points has changed in recent years — confirm the current treatment of job offers under Express Entry with IRCC or a lawyer before relying on it.

Ontario also has the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which has streams for workers already employed in Ontario. Nomination by Ontario adds significant CRS points.

Planning your path from work permit to permanent residence from the start — including which PR stream you are targeting and what experience you need to accumulate — is one of the most valuable uses of an immigration lawyer consultation.