Express Entry
Leveraging Job Offers in Express Entry: Comprehensive Guide for Canadian Immigration

A valid job offer can significantly boost your chances of success in Canada’s Express Entry immigration system. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the requirements, benefits, and processes involved in securing and leveraging a job offer for your Express Entry application.
Understanding Job Offers in Express Entry
A qualifying job offer can award you additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), potentially increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. However, not all job offers are created equal in the eyes of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Types of Qualifying Job Offers
LMIA-based Job Offers: Most job offers require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to qualify for Express Entry points. An LMIA proves that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job.
LMIA-exempt Job Offers: Some job offers are exempt from the LMIA requirement, including:
- Intra-company transferees with specialized knowledge
- Candidates under international agreements (e.g., NAFTA, CETA)
- Significant benefit to Canada
For a comprehensive list of LMIA exemptions, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/exemption-codes.html
Job Offer Requirements
To qualify for Express Entry points, your job offer is valid if the job is:
- Working for one employer
- Continuous
- Paid
- Full-time (at least 30 hours a week)
- Not seasonal
- or at least 1 year after we issue your permanent resident visa
- in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3
You can check your job’s NOC code here: https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/
CRS Points for Job Offers
In Express Entry, the number of CRS points you earn for a Canadian job offer is based on the NOC code of the position. Depending on the TEER category, job offers can earn you either 50 or 200 points. Only senior management positions receive a maximum of 200 points.
200 points: Job offers with NOC codes starting with 00
50 points: All other job offers in NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3
Job Search Strategies
Securing a Valid Job Offer
Utilize Canadian job boards (e.g., Job Bank, Indeed, LinkedIn)
Network with professionals in your industry
Attend virtual job fairs for international talent
Employer Considerations Educate Potential Employers About
The Express Entry process
LMIA requirements (if applicable)
Benefits of hiring international talent
Interview Preparation
Highlight your skills and how they align with Canadian workplace culture
Discuss your eligibility for Express Entry and work permits
Be prepared to explain the immigration process to potential employers
Documenting Your Job Offer
To claim points for your job offer, you’ll need to provide:
Written Job Offer Must include
- Employer’s name and address
- Your job title and duties
- Salary and benefits
- Date of hire and expected duration of employment
LMIA or Proof of LMIA Exemption
For LMIA-based offers: Copy of the positive LMIA
For LMIA-exempt offers: Proof of exemption (e.g., intra-company transfer letter)
Provincial/Territorial Certification Required for certain regulated professions and trades
Maintaining Job Offer Validity
To ensure your job offer remains valid throughout the Express Entry process:
Keep in regular contact with your employer
Inform your employer of any changes in your application status
Be prepared to provide updated job offer documentation if requested by IRCC
Common Challenges and Solutions
LMIA Delays Solution: Work with your employer to submit a complete and accurate LMIA application
Job Offer Changes Solution: Inform IRCC immediately of any changes to your job offer
Regulated Professions Solution: Begin the licensing or certification process early
Employer Unfamiliarity with Process Solution: Provide employers with resources from the IRCC website about hiring foreign workers
Job Offers and Work Permits
While waiting for your permanent residence application to be processed:
You may be eligible for a work permit if you have a valid job offer
Bridging Open Work Permits are available for some Express Entry candidates
For more information on work permits, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit.html
Alternatives to Job Offers
If securing a job offer is challenging, consider these alternatives to boost your CRS score:
Improve language skills
Gain additional work experience
Pursue higher education
Explore Provincial Nominee Programs
For more strategies to improve your CRS score, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/criteria-comprehensive-ranking-system/grid.html
A valid job offer can be a powerful asset in your Express Entry application, potentially giving you the edge needed to receive an ITA. By understanding the requirements, effectively documenting your offer, and maintaining open communication with your employer, you can maximize the benefits of your job offer throughout the Express Entry process. Remember to always refer to the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date information and requirements.