On This Page You Will Find:
- Whether job offers still help with Express Entry in 2025
- Requirements for job offers under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- What qualifies as a valid job offer for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- The role of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)
- Important notes on regulated occupations and invalid job offers
Canada no longer directly awards Express Entry points in the Comprehensive Ranking System for a job offer. However, a job offer does benefit candidates for the programs to which they are invited to apply under the selection system.
Job offers under the three different skilled immigration programs are subject to different requirements.
Job Offers under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class
A valid job offer under these programs must be:
- For work that is continuous, paid and full time (at least 30 hours a week)
- For work that is permanent and not seasonal
- For work that falls under TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupation Classification.
Applicants under these programs must also fulfill ONE of the following two conditions:
- The employer making the job offer has obtained a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada.
- The applicant is already working in Canada on a work permit that was issued based on a LMIA AND,
- The job falls under TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the NOC.
- The applicant is working for the employer that is listed on his or her work permit.
- The applicant is authorized to work in Canada on the day he or she applies for permanent residence.
- The applicant will be authorized to work in Canada on the day that a potential permanent residence visa is issued.
- The applicant’s current employer has offered the applicant a full-time job should the applicant be accepted for permanent residence. The offer must be for at least one year and have the same NOC Code as the applicant’s current job.
Job Offers under the Federal Skilled Trade Program
A valid job offer under the Federal Skilled Trades Program must be:
- Made by one employer or by two employers simultaneously
- For continuous, full-time work (at least 30 hours per week)
- For work that will last at least one year
- For work that falls under the “Skilled Trade” section of the NOC database. These jobs will have codes that start with the following numbers:
- 72
- 73
- 82
- 83
- 92
- 93
- 6320
- 62200
Applicants under this program must also fulfill ONE of the following two conditions:
- The employer making the job offer has obtained a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada.
- The applicant is already working in Canada on a work permit that was issued based on an LMIA AND,
- The job is in a skilled trade (see section above).
- The applicant is working for the employer that is listed on his or her work permit.
- The applicant is authorized to work in Canada on the day he or she applies for permanent residence.
- The applicant will be authorized to work in Canada on the day that a potential permanent residence visa is issued.
- The applicant’s current employer has offered the applicant a full-time job should the applicant be accepted for permanent residence.
Other Requirements for All Applicants
In order for a job offer to be valid, an applicant must be able to convince Canadian immigration officials that they are capable of performing the job that they have been offered. If the relevant job is regulated in Canada, the applicant must also be able to show that they will be able to obtain any required licenses or certifications upon arriving in Canada.
Note: In Canada, the provincial governments are responsible for regulating trades and professions. Applicants are thus advised to contact the government of the specific province they wish to live in so that they can learn about relevant regulatory requirements.
A job offer will be INVALID if it consists of work at:
- An embassy in Canada
- A high commission in Canada
- A consulate in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
Do job offers still help in Express Entry if they no longer give points directly?
Yes. While a job offer no longer directly increases your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, it can still be a key part of your application. For many candidates, especially in trade occupations or those already working in Canada, a valid job offer makes it easier to qualify under specific programs like the FSWP, CEC, or FSTP. It also helps meet eligibility conditions required for permanent residence invitations.
What makes a job offer valid under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class?
The job must be full-time (30+ hours/week), continuous, paid, and not seasonal. It must fall under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). You must either have a positive LMIA from the employer or already be working for the same employer on a valid LMIA-based work permit. The offer must also extend at least one year past the date of your permanent residence approval.
What are the job offer requirements under the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The job offer must come from one or two employers, be for full-time continuous work (minimum 30 hours per week), and last at least one year. It must also fall within specific skilled trades NOC codes like 72, 73, 82, 92, and others. You need either a positive LMIA or a current LMIA-based work permit with a valid offer from your present employer for a one-year full-time role after permanent residence approval.
Do I need a licence or certification if the job is regulated in Canada?
Yes. If your job falls under a regulated occupation in Canada—such as in healthcare, skilled trades, or engineering—you’ll need to show you can obtain the required licence or certification once you arrive. Immigration officers must be satisfied that you’re capable of performing the job. Since regulation varies by province, it’s important to contact the relevant provincial authority early in the process to understand what’s needed.
What types of job offers are not valid for immigration purposes?
Job offers are not valid if they involve work at foreign diplomatic locations in Canada, such as embassies, consulates, or high commissions. Also, offers that are seasonal, part-time, unpaid, or not aligned with the correct NOC TEER or skilled trade categories will be considered invalid. It’s essential to review your offer carefully and ensure it meets all program-specific criteria before submitting your application.
