What is a Confirmed Job Offer in Express Entry: IRCC Requirements

As of November 3, 2026, IRCC restored CRS points for job offers, but without the LMIA requirement. However, a simple letter from an employer is not enough: the officer must be confident that the offer is genuine and meets strict criteria. Documentation and preparation are far more complex than it might appear.

Check if the Offer Will Improve Your CRS

Before negotiating a job offer, you need to confirm it will actually increase your score. A confirmed job offer is an offer in one of 186 eligible high-wage professions that can award you an additional 50, 70, or 100 points.

The number of points depends on the profession category, not your personal salary. A high salary does not automatically mean you qualify. IRCC compares your points for Canadian work experience (including the new high-wage profession bonus) with your job offer points and selects the higher result. These two options cannot be combined. If your work experience with the bonus already gives you more points, the offer will not improve your overall score.

Core Criteria for a Qualified Job Offer

Not every job offer in Canada automatically qualifies for CRS points in Express Entry. The offer must be:

• paid, permanent, and continuous employment (not seasonal); • full-time—at least 30 hours per week; • cover a period of at least one year after you obtain permanent resident status; • be in a profession on IRCC’s list of eligible high-wage occupations.

Special conditions may apply for certain physicians providing government-funded medical services. However, other exceptions, such as offers from multiple employers (which exists in the Federal Skilled Trades Program), have not yet been confirmed for the new points system.

How the Officer Will Verify the Authenticity of Your Offer

The removal of the LMIA requirement does not mean the employer will stop being verified. The officer will assess whether the company actually operates, needs this position, can fulfil its obligations, and complies with labour laws.

The officer will also ensure that you are capable of doing the work and will actually take on the role after receiving PR. This is why it is important to carefully review the documents you already have. A work permit alone is not a job offer. Your current contract must include complete information: duties, salary, hours of work. A standard letter from the human resources department may leave key questions unanswered. You will likely need to ask the company for a special letter prepared specifically for your permanent residency application.

Content of the Job Offer Letter

The job offer letter must include:

• the full legal name of the employer, address, contact information, as well as your name and position; • job title, actual duties corresponding to the correct NOC code; • salary or hourly rate, benefits, and deductions; • number of hours per week, specifying that the work is full-time, continuous, and not seasonal; • workplace location, and if work is remote or hybrid—where you will be physically present and any other requirements; • the anticipated start date and the term for which employment is offered after obtaining PR.

The general requirement of at least one year after PR must be explicitly stated in the letter. The phrase “the offer is permanent” is insufficient. The letter must be recently dated, signed by a person authorized to enter into a contract, with their name, title, and contact information clearly indicated.

Supporting Documents for Your Application

Until IRCC publishes an official checklist, the following documents are recommended in response to questions the officer must answer.

Is the company actively operating? Registration documents and necessary licences will help confirm status, but company incorporation documents alone are not enough. Helpful documents include contracts, invoices, payroll records, tax forms, and proof of premises rental.

Can the company fulfil its obligations? If the letter states a salary of $100,000, financial documents and tax records must show that the company is able to pay this amount.

Why does the company need this position? Replacing a dismissed employee or expanding? A clear explanation supported by a work schedule or organizational chart will strengthen your position. IRCC will also verify the employer’s compliance with labour law standards—this does not mean the company must have advertised the vacancy like an LMIA, but it must comply with local regulations.

Why You Will Accept This Job

The employer’s desire to hire you is only part of the picture. IRCC must be confident that you will actually accept the position and perform the work after obtaining PR.

Include references from previous employers, qualifications, and training relevant to the position in your application. If the profession is regulated, check the province’s licensing requirements—ensure you will be able to meet them.

Consider how the offer fits into your plans. If you live in Alberta but the position requires office work in Vancouver, are you willing to relocate? Does the employer understand your plans? Will the officer be confident that you will actually move? Perhaps the offer pays significantly less than your current job. Why would you accept it? You need strong reasons—better schedule, career change, proximity to family. Lower pay does not automatically undermine the offer, but you must explain why it makes sense. The officer must be convinced you will take the job. Yes, permanent residents can live and work anywhere in Canada, but when you claim these points, you must still demonstrate genuine interest in the position and willingness to perform the work.

How to Prepare Now

If you need an offer to boost your score, speak with your employer, confirm the conditions, and find out if they are willing to support the verification of the offer. Signing the letter can be quick. Gathering supporting documents that confirm the job offer may take longer, and the employer may be reluctant to do so.

IRCC recommends updating your profile with any missing job offer information by November 3. Interim instructions for entering LMIA-related information are already available—study them carefully. When updating your profile, enter information as designated by IRCC.

Await further guidance and ensure you fully understand the requirements for the offer, what is required of you, what is required of the company, before proceeding further.