Job Offer for Express Entry
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
A valid job offer is not required to apply through Express Entry. However, having one may affect your eligibility under certain programs — and understanding the rules is essential to building a strong profile.
Key Update — March 25, 2025
As of March 25, 2025, IRCC no longer awards CRS points for job offers — including:
- Senior management positions (NOC Major Group 00 — previously worth 200 points)
- Any other skilled occupation (previously worth 50 points)
This applies to all current and future candidates in the Express Entry pool.
What has not changed: Having a valid job offer may still be required for eligibility under:
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams
You should still include job offer details in your Express Entry profile where applicable.
Job Offer Requirements — By Program
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Not required — your employer may still choose to give you one
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Not required for eligibility
- No longer adds CRS points as of March 25, 2025
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Required — unless you have a valid Certificate of Qualification
- Must be for a full-time period of at least 1 year
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Depends on the specific stream — check requirements for your province
What Makes a Job Offer Valid?
A valid job offer for Express Entry must be:
- Recent and in writing
- From one employer (up to two for FSTP)
- Continuous, paid, and full-time (minimum 30 hours per week)
- Non-seasonal
- Valid for at least 1 year after you become a permanent resident
- In a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
It must also include:
- Start date
- Employer name and address
- LMIA number (if applicable)
- NOC code for the position
- Job duties, pay, deductions, hours, and conditions of employment
Important: A work permit alone is not a job offer — even if it is an open work permit.
It must also not come from an embassy, high commission, or consulate in Canada.
FSTP — Valid Job Offer Occupations
For FSTP, your job offer must be in one of these NOC TEER 2 or 3 categories:
- Major Group 72 — Technical trades and transportation officers (excluding Sub-Major Group 726)
- Major Group 73 — General trades
- Major Group 82 — Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related production
- Major Group 83 — Occupations in natural resources and related production
- Major Group 92 — Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors
- Major Group 93 — Central control and process operators (excluding Sub-Major Group 932)
- Minor Group 6320 — Cooks, butchers, and bakers
- Unit Group 62200 — Chefs
FSTP — Valid and Invalid Job Offer Examples
✅ Valid Example Two companies hire a heavy equipment operator. The LMIA lists both employers. Each offers 16 hours per week for a minimum of one year. → Valid — combined hours meet the 30-hour full-time requirement and LMIA covers both employers.
❌ Invalid Example A construction company offers a plumber 25 hours per week on a non-contract basis. → Invalid — does not meet the 30-hour minimum for full-time work.
Who Needs an LMIA?
In most cases your employer needs a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to support your job offer.
Your employer must get a new LMIA if:
- You do not already have a work permit
- Your work permit has expired
- You are working on an open work permit
- Your job offer is from an employer not listed on your current work permit
Your employer does NOT need a new LMIA if:
- You have already been working full-time for them on an LMIA-based work permit, and you have a valid job offer, OR
- You work in a job that is exempt from needing an LMIA
LMIA Exemptions
Your employer does not need an LMIA if you hold a valid LMIA-exempt work permit and have worked full-time for that employer for at least 1 year. Common LMIA exemptions include:
International Agreements
- CUSMA, GATS, and other trade and non-trade agreements
- Includes professionals, traders, and investors
Federal-Provincial Agreements
- Significant investment projects
Canadian Interests
- Significant benefit — intra-company transfers, self-employed engineers, artists, Francophone Mobility workers
- Reciprocal employment — coaches, athletes, visiting professors, exchange programs
- Minister-designated — researchers, post-doctoral fellows, medical residents, academic award recipients
- Charity and religious work (volunteers are not included)
Special Policy — Physicians
A temporary public policy applies to foreign national physicians who:
- Received an Express Entry ITA on or after April 25, 2023, and submitted an application
- Have a job offer to provide publicly funded medical services in Canada
Under this policy:
- The job offer does not need to be continuous
- It does not need to last at least 1 year after the PR visa is issued
- It meets FSWP requirements for a valid job offer
Ability to Do the Work
You must satisfy IRCC that you:
- Are capable of performing the duties of the job being offered
- Are likely to qualify for licensing or certification in Canada if the occupation is regulated
Each province and territory has its own licensing requirements. Contact the relevant regulatory body in the province where you plan to live before applying.
For regulated professions, refer to:
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
- About Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Certificate of Qualification
- Proof of Funds
Need Help?
Job offer rules in Express Entry are complex — especially when LMIA is involved. We can review your situation and advise you on the best approach.
📞 Call us: 647-409-2220 🌐 Visit: ghasedak.ca 📩 Start with a free eligibility assessment — book your consultation today.