One of the requirements when applying for Canada’s Express Entry is a job offer. Having a job offer from an employer based in Canada that a candidate has skills needed in the country.
If the offer was extended to an applicant who is not currently in Canada, it can be assumed that the employer, having exhausted efforts to hire someone based in the country, could not find a local candidate with suitable skills.
Having a job offer boosts your application chances as a job offer gives you additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Qualities of a valid job offer
Under the context of Canadian Express Entry, a valid job offer is one that is:
- Full-time and non-seasonal
This means that the job being offered will be available to a candidate on a full-time (not part-time) basis, and is available all throughout the year (not seasonal like Christmas season, harvesting and planting season, etc) - For at least one year
The employment contract assures employment for the candidate for at least one year. Employer may offer a longer employment contract or extend the one-year employment contract. - In a skilled job listed as Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A or B in the National Occupational Classification.
The job being offered should be classified under the aforementioned job categories. Please check the list of jobs (and their respective levels) under National Occupational Classification. - Supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
The LMIA is an assessment that is used to determine whether a foreign worker is needed to fill the job. At the same time, LMIA will indicate that no Canadian worker is currently available to do the job. The employer needs to apply for LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada. A positive LMIA leads to a job offer. Once a candidate creates an Express Entry profile, provide information such as LMIA number to show that he or she has a valid job offer.
Once a job offer has been made, its details must be made in writing (hard copy/printed or soft copy such as in PDF/Word). This documentation will be submitted during your Express Entry application. Details of the job offer must include the following:
- Candidate’s compensation (wages + bonuses) and deductions (taxes + other expenses)
- Candidate’s job description and duties
- Candidate’s conditions of employment (hours of work, days off, work arrangement, etc)
When is a Express Entry job offer not valid?
A job offer is not valid if the employer is:
- An embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada, or
- On the list of ineligible employers.
If an employer is not eligible, does not secure a positive LMIA, or is not LMIA-exempt, a candidate will not meet requirements of a valid job offer in Canada.