Step-by-Step: Apply for Express Entry With a Job Offer

May 12, 2025 Wanblog Admin Jobs in Canada 0

Table of Contents

  1. Why Apply for Express Entry with a Job Offer?

  2. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Express Entry with a Job Offer

    • Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

    • Step 2: Gather Required Documents

    • Step 3: Get a Valid Job Offer

    • Step 4: Determine If LMIA Is Required

    • Step 5: Create Your Express Entry Profile

    • Step 6: Update Profile with Job Offer

    • Step 7: Wait for ITA (Invitation to Apply)

    • Step 8: Submit Permanent Residency Application

  3. Tips for Success

  4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  5. FAQ on Express Entry with Job Offer

  6. Final Thoughts

Why Apply for Express Entry with a Job Offer?

While a job offer is not mandatory to apply for Canada’s Express Entry program, having one can:

  •  Add 50–200 CRS points to your profile

  •  Help you qualify for PNP (Provincial Nominee Programs)

  •  Strengthen your case for permanent residency

  •  Lead to faster processing and easier transition

This is especially helpful if your CRS score is below the cutoff or you are competing in a highly selective draw.

 Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Express Entry with a Job Offer

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Use the IRCC’s online tool to confirm eligibility for one of the three Express Entry streams:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Check Eligibility Here

You’ll need:

  • Language test (IELTS/CELPIP)

  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

  • Work experience (1+ years in last 10 years)

  • Proof of funds

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Before creating your profile, gather:

  • Valid passport

  • IELTS/CELPIP test results

  • ECA report (from WES, ICAS, or other approved agencies)

  • Job offer letter (if available)

  • Employer LMIA or exemption code

  • Work experience reference letters

  • Proof of funds (if applicable)

Having these ready ensures smooth submission once you receive your ITA.

Step 3: Get a Valid Job Offer

Your job offer must meet these criteria:

  • Full-time and non-seasonal

  • Duration of at least 1 year

  • TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 category job

  • Provided by a Canadian employer

  • Supported by a valid LMIA (or exempt under IRCC rules)

Job portals to find jobs:

Step 4: Determine If LMIA Is Required

Most foreign job offers require an LMIA to count toward CRS points. The LMIA must state:

  • The job is genuine

  • No Canadian citizen/permanent resident is available

  • You are being hired full-time

However, some offers are LMIA-exempt, including:

  • International agreements (e.g. CUSMA, GATS)

  • Intra-company transfers

  • Charitable/Religious work

  • Francophone Mobility

Check with your employer or consult IRCC exemptions list.

Step 5: Create Your Express Entry Profile

Create your profile on the IRCC Express Entry portal:

  • Register your GCKey account

  • Fill in accurate information

  • Submit test scores, ECA, and job offer info

  • Select your eligible program (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC)

Express Entry Sign Up

Step 6: Update Profile with Job Offer

Once your job offer is validated with an LMIA or exemption code, update your profile to reflect:

  • Employer name

  • NOC code

  • LMIA number or exemption

  • Duration and salary

This automatically increases your CRS score by 50 or 200 points.

Step 7: Wait for an ITA (Invitation to Apply)

Monitor Express Entry draws (usually biweekly). If your new CRS score meets the cutoff, you’ll receive an ITA via email.

 Use IRCC’s CRS calculator to estimate your score.

 Step 8: Submit Your PR Application

After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your full PR application, which includes:

  • Medical exam

  • Police clearance certificates

  • Employment verification letters

  • Digital photos

  • Application fees

Fees (2025 Estimate):

  • $850 CAD (main applicant)

  • $230 CAD (biometrics)

  • $515 CAD (right of permanent residence)

Processing time is 6–9 months on average.

Tips for Success

  •  Target high-demand jobs (e.g., healthcare, skilled trades, IT)

  •  Apply only to verified employers

  • Tailor your resume for Canadian standards

  •  Practice for interviews and be professional

  •  Use trusted recruiters or attend Canadian job fairs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  •  Submitting incomplete or fake job offers

  •  Not validating LMIA when required

  •  Using outdated or unaccredited ECAs

  •  Skipping CRS updates after getting a job offer

  •  Missing ITA deadline (60 days is strict!)

FAQ on Express Entry with Job Offer

Q1: Is a job offer required for Express Entry?

No, but it can boost your CRS score significantly.

Q2: How many points is a job offer worth?

  • 50 points for TEER 0–3 jobs

  • 200 points for senior management (NOC 00)

Q3: Can I use a contract or part-time job offer?

No, it must be full-time and for at least one year.

Q4: What if my employer won’t get an LMIA?

Explore LMIA-exempt streams or seek a different employer.

Q5: Can I apply to multiple jobs while in Express Entry?

Yes. Accepting another valid offer can improve your CRS further.

Conclusion

Applying for Canada Express Entry with a job offer is a game-changer. It increases your CRS, proves your employability in Canada, and fast-tracks your permanent residency application.

By following this step-by-step guide:

  • You’ll avoid common pitfalls

  • Stand out in the applicant pool

  • Boost your success chances in 2025

Whether you’re an IT specialist, healthcare worker, or skilled tradesperson, securing a job offer will take you one step closer to becoming a permanent resident in Canada.

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