A Valid Job Offer For Express Entry – Know Full Requirements

Last Updated On 14 April 2023, 9:56 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

Frequently, it can be confusing what constitutes a valid job offer for Express Entry. While most jobs require an LMIA, it also has several specific conditions for employers and employees. 

However, having a valid job offer for Express Entry can help you gain more CRS points and increase your chance of receiving an ITA.

If you want to claim points with a job offer for Express Entry, then this article will help you understand the exact requirements. 

Job Offer For Express Entry Canadian Experience Class & Federal Skilled Workers

If you are applying under, either the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Worker program, your job offer must meet the following requirements:

For a job offer to be valid, it has to be:

• Offered by one employer 
• Be continuous 
• Paid 
• Should be full-time or at least 30 hours per week 
• Not be seasonal employment. 
• It should last at least one year after you get your permanent resident visa 
• The position should be:
  • in Skill Type TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (NOC 0, A or B) 

Other requirements include the following:

• An employer must make the job offer with a new positive LMIA that approves your offer and includes your name and position; Or 
• You must be working in Canada in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (NOC 0, A or B) job on a valid LMIA-based work permit; and you must be:
  • Working for an employer mentioned on your work permit 
  • Authorized to work in Canada when you apply for your permanent resident visa and receive it 
  • Offered a full-time job by your current employer for at least one year if you are accepted as a permanent resident; Or 
• You must have a valid LMIA-exempt work permit for a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (NOC 0, A, or B) job; and you:
  • must be currently working for the specific employer mentioned on the work permit 
  • Have one year of full-time work experience or equivalent part-time experience for the same employer 
  • Should have a valid job offer from the same employer for at least one year after you receive your permanent resident visa. 

Know How Job Offers Without LMIA Work For Express Entry

Job Offer Requirements For Federal Skilled Trades workers

If you plan to apply under the Federal Skilled Trades workers stream, for your job offer to be valid, it should meet the following requirements:

• Up to two employers could make a job offer. 
• Should be continuous, paid, full-time or at least 30 hours a week 
• Be for at least one year. 
• Could be in skilled trade occupation, which includes jobs with 2016 NOC codes beginning with 72, 73, 82, 92, as well as 632 and 633

Other requirements include the following: 

• The job offer should be made by employers who have a new positive LMIA, which approves the offer and names you and your position; Or 
• You must be currently working in Canada on an LMIA-approved work permit in a skilled trade job, and you must be:
  • Working for an employer mentioned on your work permit 
  • Authorized to work in Canada when you apply for your permanent resident visa and receive it 
  • If you are accepted as a permanent resident, your current employer(s) must offer you a full-time position in the same three-digit level of the NOC as your current work for at least one year OR
• You hold a valid work permit for one of the following skilled trade occupations that do not require an LMIA, and you:
  • Are currently employed by an employer named on the work permit
  • Must have one year of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time employment) for the employer(s) on your work permit making the offer
  • Have a valid job offer from the same employer for at least one year after you get your permanent residence visa. 

Valid and invalid job offer examples

In both cases, the LMIA either supports the job offer or is exempt from the requirement for an LMIA.

Example 1: Two businesses hire a heavy equipment operator. The LMIA includes both employers. Each employer offers 16 hours of work each week for a minimum of one year. This job offer is valid.

Example 2: A construction company hires a plumber for 25 hours per week on a non-contractual basis.

This job offer is not valid. It is because the job must be for at least 30hrs per week to be considered full-time. 

Jobs that do not require an LMIA

There are only two reasons why the employer that made you the offer does not need a new LMIA:

1. If you are already working for an employer on an LMIA-based work permit; Or 
2. Your job does not require an LMIA. 

If your employer needs to get a new LMIA, if:

• Your work permit expired
• You are working on an open work permit 
• The job offer you have is from an employer who is not listed on your work permit .

Source: IRCC

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