Express Entry: Job Offer

A valid job offer is not required to apply through Canada’s Express Entry system, but having a qualified job offer can improve eligibility under certain programs like the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

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Job Offer Basics in Express Entry: Understanding LMIA and Eligibility

As of March 25, 2025, Express Entry no longer awards points for job offers under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), whether it’s:

• a senior management position (NOC 00 group — previously worth 200 points), or
• any other skilled occupation (previously worth 50 points).

Note: This change applies to all current and future candidates in the pool. It may take a few days for scores to update.

What Hasn’t Changed

Having a valid job offer may still be required for eligibility under certain programs, such as:

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

You should continue to include job offer details in your Express Entry profile, as a valid job offer may still impact eligibility under FSWP, FSTP, and some PNP streams.

A valid job offer must:

• Be recent and in writing
• Include job duties, pay, hours, and working conditions
• Not come from an embassy, high commission, or consulate
• Include:
  • Start date
  • Employer name and address
  • LMIA number (if applicable)
  • National Occupational Classification (NOC) code

A work permit alone is not a job offer—even if it’s an open work permit.

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Special Policy for Physicians

If you’re a foreign national physician and received an Express Entry invitation on or after April 25, 2023, a temporary public policy may apply to you.

Under this policy:

• Your job offer doesn’t need to be continuous, and

• It doesn’t need to last at least 1 year after you receive your permanent resident visa.

This only applies if your job offer is for publicly funded medical services in Canada (such as work in hospitals or public clinics).

If eligible, this job offer:

• Meets the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) requirements for a valid job offer

• Earns points for arranged employment under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

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Program-Specific Requirements

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

If you do not have a job offer:

• You must provide proof of funds

If you do, your job offer must be:

• From 1 employer
• Continuous, paid, full-time (30+ hours/week)
• Non-seasonal and valid for at least 1 year post-PR
• In a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation

Valid if it is:

• Supported by a new positive LMIA naming you
• OR, you’re already working in Canada under:
  • An LMIA-based work permit (NOC 0–3)
  • An LMIA-exempt permit (NOC 0–3) with 1 year experience with the same employer who makes you a job offer

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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Without a job offer, you’ll need a Certificate of Qualification.

A valid job offer must be:

• From up to 2 employers
• Continuous, paid, full-time (30+ hours/week)
• At least 1 year long
• For an eligible NOC TEER 2 or 3 trade, including:
  • Major Groups: 72 (except 726), 73, 82, 83, 92, 93 (except 932)
  • Minor Group 6320 (cooks, butchers, bakers)
  • Unit Group 62200 (chefs)

Valid if:

• Backed by a new LMIA, OR
• You currently hold a valid work permit and:
  • Work in a skilled trade for listed employer(s)
  • Have 1 year of experience with them
  • Have a job offer valid for at least 1 year post-PR

✅ Valid Example:

2 employers share a heavy equipment operator (16 hours each/week). LMIA names both. ➡️ Valid.

❌ Invalid Example:

A plumber is offered 25 hours/week with no contract. ➡️ Invalid (Not full-time).

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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• You don’t need a job offer for eligibility.
• Your employer may still issue one if they wish.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Some streams may require a valid job offer for nomination.
• Check requirements for your specific PNP stream.

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LMIA and Valid Job Offer Requirements

Most job offers require a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).

An LMIA is not required if:

• You have a valid LMIA-based work permit, and
• You’re working full-time for the employer who issued the offer

OR

• You have a valid LMIA-exempt permit, and:
  • You’ve worked for the employer full-time for 1 year
  • The job offer is valid for 1 year post-PR

Common LMIA-exempt categories:

• International agreements (e.g., CUSMA, GATS)
• Federal-provincial agreements (e.g., significant investments)
• Canadian interests (e.g., intra-company transfers, artists, French-speaking workers)
• Reciprocal employment (e.g., coaches, visiting lecturers)
• Minister-designated (e.g., researchers, academic awardees)
• Religious/charity work (excludes volunteers)

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Ability to Do the Work

You must prove that you:

• Can perform the duties of the job offered
• Are likely to be licensed or certified in Canada (for regulated jobs)

Each province and territory regulates its own jobs and trades. Check with the relevant body in your intended destination to confirm licensing requirements.

For regulated professions, refer to:

• Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC)

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Final Thoughts on Job Offers in Express Entry

While a job offer no longer boosts your CRS score under the 2025 changes, it can still be essential for eligibility in certain programs like FSTP and some PNPs. Understanding when and how to present a valid job offer — especially one supported by an LMIA — is key to a strong Express Entry profile.