The Canadian Immigration Department has introduced updates to the Express Entry programme for 2025, which will affect skilled workers, tradespeople, and healthcare professionals who hope to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
As cited by the DAAD Scholarship, the new guidelines include changes to job offer requirements, specific eligibility criteria for various sub-programmes, and updates to Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) rules.
For applicants aiming for Canadian permanent residency, a valid job offer is critical to qualifying for the Express Entry programme.
Under the revised system, applicants must ensure that their job offer meets specific requirements, including details about the employer’s name and address, the start date, the correct National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, and a written confirmation of job duties, pay, and employment conditions.
It is important to note that a work permit alone does not qualify as a job offer for Express Entry.
For those on open work permits, securing a formal, valid job offer is essential to proceed with Express Entry application processes.
Canada’s Express Entry system comprises three sub-programmes with different job offer requirements including:
Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Job offers must be full-time (30+ hours per week), paid, and continuous, lasting at least one year after obtaining permanent residency.
The job must be in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 category and come from an employer with a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP): Applicants with job offers from one or two employers in eligible trades (e.g., electricians, carpenters, welders) can qualify. Employers must provide a valid LMIA unless the applicant’s work permit offers an exemption.
Physicians: Special rules apply to physicians. Job offers are not required to be continuous for a year for applicants who applied after April 25, 2023. These applicants can still earn points under the Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP) and improve their Express Entry score.
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required for most applicants, as it proves that no Canadian worker is available to fill the position.
As of 2025, applicants who do not hold a valid Canadian work permit or are working under an open work permit must ensure that their employer has secured an LMIA.
However, LMIA requirements may be waived if the applicant has worked full-time for the employer for at least one year under a valid work permit, or if the work permit is exempt under international agreements or provincial agreements.
Once a valid job offer is secured, applicants must demonstrate their ability to perform the duties of the position. They must also meet any licensing or certification requirements in the province where they plan to work.
Since each province has different rules, applicants are directed to consult the relevant licensing authorities for their profession.
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