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Can you switch jobs after an Express Entry ITA if you're claiming LMIA points?

Canada • Express Entry • immigration 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Documents Needed

  • New LMIA (if switching employers)

    If you change jobs after ITA, you'll need updated support from your new employer if you want to keep claiming job-related CRS points.

Step-by-Step

An inland Express Entry applicant who'd already received an ITA and submitted their PR application (claiming 50 CRS points for an LMIA-supported job offer) asked whether switching to a new job would complicate their application.

What the group advised:
  1. If you're claiming CRS points for an LMIA-supported job offer, avoid switching jobs before you receive your PR (eCOPR). Changing employers can undermine the basis on which you were awarded those points.

  2. If you do switch jobs, you must inform IRCC of the change. Since your ITA and application were based on your original job/LMIA, IRCC needs to be told if your employment situation changes materially during processing.

  3. A new job with a new LMIA could theoretically preserve the same point value, but this introduces uncertainty into an already-submitted application, so members leaned toward waiting until PR is finalized before making employment changes.


Historical note: LMIA/CRS point rules can change; confirm current point allocations and reporting obligations against IRCC's latest guidance before deciding.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Don't: Don't switch jobs while your PR application is pending if you're claiming LMIA-related CRS points — it can complicate your file.
  • Do: Inform IRCC promptly if your employment situation changes after you've submitted your application.
  • Tip: A same-value new LMIA might replace the old one, but it adds risk and uncertainty to an in-progress application.

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