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Express Entry Canada PR Without LMIA: Good or Bad?

Updated: Jul 22, 2025


Express Entry Canada PR Without LMIA


Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a major change to the Express Entry system. Now, candidates won’t receive extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This has led to a major shift in how people now plan their Express Entry Canada PR without LMIA.


In the past, arranged employment could get you 50 or even 200 extra CRS points. That boost helped many secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Now? Those points are now gone. The has created a buzz among immigration candidates, employers, and immigration consultants across Canada.


What Does This Mean for Express Entry Canada PR Without LMIA?


The biggest shift is that now, your CRS score will depend more heavily on your human capital—things like education, language skills, and Canadian work experience. Candidates who once counted on that LMIA-supported job offer to push their score over the line may now find themselves falling short.


Let’s look at the data from March 19, 2025*:


Candidates with Job Offer Points (Arranged Employment): 


37,170 people were benefiting from this.


  • 50 Points: 36,150 candidates

  • 200 Points: 1,020 candidates


Top Applicants Affected by Country of Citizenship (AE – 50 or 200 points):


  • India: 23,280 candidates (62.6%) (including 465 with 200 points)

  • Philippines: 3,340

  • China: 1,445 (including 145 with 200 points)


That’s a lot of people whose profiles just took a hit.


How Does This Affect People Applying for Canada PR?


The Challenges:


  • If you were depending on a valid LMIA-based job offer, as the points are now gone, you may now need to focus more on improving your language score like IELTS, PTE, CELPIP, TEF, TCF score, gaining more work experience, or applying through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

  • Many candidates could now fall behind in the Express Entry pool, especially those with low language scores or limited Canadian education or limited experience.


The Opportunities:


  • On the flip side, if you're someone who’s done well academically, has solid work experience, or speaks English or French fluently, this could work in your favor.

  • The system now puts more emphasis on long-term contributions to Canada—not just getting in because you landed a job offer.


Whether you’re here on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), applying through Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC), this change could totally shift your Express Entry strategy.


What Does This Mean for Employers in Canada?


Canadian businesses are also feeling the effects of this change.


Concerns:


  • Many employers relied on LMIA as a way to bring in foreign talent with rare skills not readily available in Canada. Without the CRS boost for job offers, some businesses may struggle to attract candidates.

  • Industries that already face labor shortages—like tech, healthcare, and trades—might feel the pressure even more.


Potential Upsides:


  • This change could reduce misuse of LMIAs and make the system fairer.

  • Companies may now get applications from people genuinely interested in staying long-term, not just using the job for CRS points for PR.



What About LMIA-Exempt Workers and Intra-Company Transfers?


If you’re working in Canada on an LMIA-exempt permit—like an Intra-Company Transfer —you were previously eligible for CRS points under Express Entry. But with the removal of those points, even LMIA-exempt workers are now impacted. This change alters the PR pathway for many foreign professionals working in Canada through these exemptions.


  • You’ll now need stronger human capital scores to succeed in Express Entry.

  • Consider applying through PNPs or boosting your language and education credentials.



Real Reactions from People and Businesses


Candidates' Sentiments:


  • Many are frustrated. Losing LMIA points feels like the rug’s been pulled out from under them.

  • Candidates from India, the Philippines, and China—who made up almost 80% of those with arranged employment—are especially impacted.

  • Others see it as a good thing, believing it levels the playing field and rewards true merit.


Business Sentiments:


  • Employers who heavily relied on LMIA to attract skilled foreign talent may need to look at alternatives.

  • Some see this as an opportunity to bring in more committed and qualified people, rather than just candidates looking for a quick PR route.


How Will This Change Express Entry Draws?


This change will reshape the landscape of Canadian immigration:


  • CRS Cut-offs Might Drop Slightly: With so many losing their bonus points, we could see lower cut-offs in future Express Entry draws.

  • More Focus on Skills: Language, education, and adaptability will matter more.

  • Category-Based Draws Will Grow: IRCC may focus on targeted sectors like healthcare, construction, and IT.

  • PNPs Will Become Even More Important: If Express Entry becomes harder, more people will turn to Provincial Nominee Programs (like OINP) for a nomination.


Final Thoughts: Is This Good or Bad?


It depends on where you’re standing:


  • If you’re someone with strong human capital—good education, solid work experience, high language scores—this is good news. You now have a better chance.

  • If you were relying on a job offer and LMIA, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Maybe improving your Express Entry profile.

  • If you’re a business, yes, it’s a challenge. But it’s also an opportunity to focus on genuine, long-term talent.



At Visa Vlogs, we provide personalized guidance to help you choose the best pathway to permanent residency in Canada—be it Express Entry Canada PR without LMIA, PNPs like OINP, or transitioning from PGWP to PR. Our goal is to make Canadian immigration in Canada easier to understand and navigate.


If you're searching for a reliable immigration consultant near you or need advice tailored to your unique situation, get in touch. We’re here to help you access the right information, navigate the process, and prosper in Canada.


We're based in Brampton, Ontario, and offer support to applicants across the globe:


Rajan Jain Immigration Consulting Inc.

Contact: +1 437 430 5151

CICC Membership Number: R1034462



References:



Disclaimer


This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or immigration advice. Every case is unique, and we recommend consulting a licensed immigration professional for personalized guidance.


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