Job Offers in Express Entry

How a job offer counts in Canadian immigration

Express Entry is the online system IRCC uses to manage permanent residence applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates in the pool are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System, and invitations to apply are generally issued to the highest-scoring profiles in regular or category-based draws.

For immigration purposes, a qualifying job offer must be for paid, full-time, non-seasonal work lasting at least one year, made in writing by a Canadian employer. In most cases it needs a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada, which confirms that hiring a foreign worker will not harm the Canadian labour market, although some offers are exempt. The offer letter typically sets out the job title, duties, NOC code, wage, hours and start date.

A job offer is not a work permit and does not by itself grant any status: the candidate still needs an invitation and an approved permanent residence application. IRCC removed CRS points for arranged employment in March 2025, so the weight of an offer in the ranking depends on the rules in force at the time of the draw.