Key takeaways
- A work permit on its own is not a job offer, even an open work permit
- A job offer must be recent, in writing, not from an embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada, and set out pay, duties and conditions like hours
- As of November 3, 2026, you do not need an LMIA for a job offer to qualify; offers can be with any employer, and officers check that the offer is genuine
- Job offer points need an eligible high-wage occupation: 100, 70 or 50 points by high-wage level, and 0 otherwise
- You get points for Canadian work experience or an eligible job offer, not both: the higher score applies
- IRCC does not write a separate rule for open work permit holders with an offer
An open work permit is not a job offer
IRCC’s job offer page says: “A work permit on its own is not a job offer, even if it is an open work permit.” So if you have an open work permit but no written offer, do not say you have a job offer in your Express Entry profile.
Your job offer must be recent and in writing. It must not be from an embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada. It must set out details of the job, such as your pay and deductions, your duties, and the conditions of employment, like your hours of work.
What changes on November 3, 2026
IRCC’s Express Entry changes page says that as of November 3, 2026:
- you do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for a job offer to qualify for program eligibility or Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points
- job offers may be for an existing or a new position
- job offers may be for an existing or a new employer
- officers will assess whether a job offer is genuine
IRCC does not write a rule just for open work permit holders with an offer. The general rules above apply.
How officers check that an offer is genuine
At the permanent residence stage, IRCC says the officer looks at whether the employer is active in the business, can fulfill the terms of the offer, made an offer that meets their needs, and is following employment and recruitment laws. The officer also looks at whether you are qualified and able to perform the work, and whether you are likely to accept the offer and carry out the job.
When an offer earns CRS points
| Topic | What IRCC says |
|---|---|
| Requirement | The offer must be valid under Express Entry and be for a position in an eligible high-wage occupation. |
| Points | 100, 70 or 50 points by high-wage level. A job that is not in a high-wage occupation: 0. |
| With Canadian work experience | You can only receive points for Canadian work experience or an eligible job offer, not both. You get the score that gives you the higher number of CRS points. |
| Program eligibility | A job offer may qualify for program eligibility but not for CRS job offer points. Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades offers are not limited to high-wage occupations. |
A Federal Skilled Worker offer must still be continuous, paid, full-time (at least 30 hours a week), not seasonal, for at least 1 year if you are accepted as a permanent resident, and in TEER 0 to 3.
How to enter the offer in your profile
IRCC says: “In your profile you will still be required to select that you have a positive LMIA, even though you don’t need one.” Under “Work history,” IRCC lists these entries:
- Was a positive LMIA issued for the job offer in Canada? Yes
- LMIA Number: 00000
- LMIA Issuance Date: 2026-01-01
- LMIA Expiry Date: 2029-01-01
IRCC also says that if you have a job offer that is not in your profile, you should update it before November 3, 2026.
Older LMIA text on IRCC’s page
One section of IRCC’s job offer page, “Who needs an LMIA,” still says an employer needs a new LMIA if you are working on an open work permit. That text conflicts with IRCC’s November 3 notice, which says no LMIA is needed. IRCC’s dated November 3 wording is the newer rule. The older section seems not to be updated yet. The Federal Skilled Worker “Other requirements” block also still mentions an LMIA.
What to do next
- Check whether you have a written offer. An open work permit alone does not count.
- If you have one, check that it has your pay, duties and hours, and that it is recent.
- Check whether the job is in an eligible high-wage occupation if you want to know about points.
- Use the 00000 entries in your profile.
Read our guides on the November 3 changes, what a job offer letter must say, fixed-term contracts and high-wage occupations. You can also use the CRS calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is my open work permit a job offer for Express Entry?
No. IRCC says a work permit on its own is not a job offer, even an open work permit.
Do I need an LMIA after November 3, 2026?
No. IRCC says you do not need an LMIA for a job offer to qualify for program eligibility or CRS points.
Does every job offer give CRS points?
No. The job must be in an eligible high-wage occupation. A job that is not in one earns 0 points.
Can I get points for both my Canadian work experience and a job offer?
No. You get the score that gives you the higher number of CRS points.
Sources
- IRCC: Express Entry, job offer (checked October 20, 2026)
- IRCC: Express Entry changes (checked October 20, 2026)
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. For your situation, consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.
