How to get points for a job offer for Express Entry

In Canada’s Express Entry system, landing an eligible job offer from a Canadian employer can help candidates to maximize their points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and obtain an invitation to apply (ITA) for immigration to Canada. However, not all job offers are eligible for CRS points. In this article, we explain what makes a job offer eligible for points, how many points you get, plus tips and tricks for finding a job offer for Express Entry immigration to Canada.

What job offers can you claim CRS points for in Express Entry?

Not all job offers will earn you CRS points on your Express Entry profile. In order to get points, your job offer has to be considered valid under Express Entry.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states that to be considered valid under Express Entry, a Canadian job offer must be for a job that is:

• Full-time and non-seasonal;
• For a minimum of at least one year;
• For a job offer at Skill Level 0, A, or B, according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system; and
• Supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or exempt from needing one.

If you are claiming points for a job offer under Express Entry you will have to provide a copy of the written job offer outlining your position, your duties, your salary, and your conditions of employment. As well, you must include proof of your LMIA or LMIA-exemption.

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What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment, and do I need it for a job offer for Express Entry?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document obtained by a Canadian employer who wishes to hire a foreign national to fill an open position. Only a Canadian employer can apply for an LMIA, foreign workers cannot apply on their own.

An LMIA assesses whether or not hiring foreign talent will have a positive or a negative impact on the Canadian labour market. To apply, Canadian employers must include information about their business, the position they are seeking to fill with a foreign worker, and must include evidence that they have attempted to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position.

LMIAs are submitted to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). ESDC reviews all submitted LMIAs to determine whether an LMIA is positive or negative. A positive LMIA means that hiring a foreign worker will have a positive effect on the Canadian labour force, while a negative LMIA means it will have a negative effect.

You need a job offer supported by a positive LMIA in order to count the job offer towards your Express Entry profile and CRS score. The exception to this rule, is for jobs that are LMIA-exempt.

LMIA-exempt job offers

In certain cases, Canadian employers are exempt from requiring an LMIA to hire foreign workers. There are three broad categories of LMIA exemptions:

• Exemptions through international trade agreements, such as NAFTA;
• Exemptions through agreements between the Canadian federal government and provincial governments; and
• Exemptions due to “Canadian interests”, such as an intra-company transfer.

For full details about LMIA-exemptions, please consult IRCC’s guidelines on which jobs are exempt from requiring an LMIA. If you claim points for an LMIA-exempt job offer on your Express Entry profile, you will have to prove the offer meets the exemption criteria if you are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Jobs exempt from needing an LMIA

There are only two reasons the employer making you the offer doesn’t need to get a new LMIA:

if you’re already working for them with a work permit based on that LMIA

if you work in a job that doesn’t need an LMIA

Your employer must get a new LMIA if:

your work permit has expired

you’re working on an open work permit

you have a job offer from an employer not listed on your work permit

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How many CRS points do you get for a job offer for Express Entry?

In Express Entry, the number of CRS points you receive for a Canadian job offer depends on the NOC code of the offered position. You can receive either 50 or 200 points, depending on the skill level of your position, but only upper management positions are awarded the highest amount of 200 points.

• 200 points: Job offers at NOC codes beginning with 00
• 50 points: All other job offers at NOC skill level 0, A, or B

How to find a Canadian job offer for Express Entry

There are many ways to search for a Canadian job offer. But, before starting your job hunt, you have to make sure you're prepared for the Canadian job application process. Follow these simple steps to prepare yourself and get the best possible chance of finding a Canadian job offer:

Step One: Format your CV by Canadian standards

Canadian employers expect a specific format for CVs (also called resumes). There's a good chance that the format might differ from your home country. Check our guide on how to format a Canadian resume to make sure you've got it right.

Step Two: Write a cover letter Canadian employers will love

Most employers in Canada expect job applicants to include a cover letter with their initial application. If you don't include a cover letter, or if you use the format, you might be losing out. Make sure you consult our guide on writing a Canadian cover letter.

Step Three: Ensure you're using LinkedIn to your advantage

LinkedIn, the social networking site for working professionals, is used by many employers to fill open job positions. Check out our tips on how to make sure that you're making LinkedIn work for you.

Step Four: Apply for the right jobs

Take the time to find positions that fit your experience and to craft a standout application. In order to find job positions we suggest starting out by checking the Moving2Canada Jobs Board. After creating an eligible Express Entry profile, you will receive a job seeker validation code that will allow you to register your profile with the Canadian job bank. As well, many Canadian jobs are advertised using job boards and social media like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Ziprecruiter.

Please be aware of fraud when looking for a Canadian job. There have been many instances of hopeful immigrants being scammed by fake companies extending fraudulent offers of employment for Canadian immigration. A legitimate employer will never ask you to pay for an offer of employment and cannot legally ask you to pay immigration fees related to your job offer. If you are ever concerned about the legitimacy of an offer of employment, please consult with an immigration expert.

How do I know if my Canadian immigration job offer is real?

You may have heard that some unscrupulous people and organisations issue "fake" job offers to Canadian immigration hopefuls, typically for a fee. You should never pay anyone for a job in Canada.

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