Canada | Express Entry job offers no longer require LMIAs for certain programs

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada published a temporary public policy eliminating the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement for qualifying job offers, effective Nov. 3, 2026.

Key takeaways:

Qualifying job offers used to establish eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs will no longer require an LMIA. The policy applies to permanent residence applications following an Express Entry invitation to apply issued on or after Nov. 3, 2026.

Under the new policy, qualifying job offers may support FSW or FST eligibility without an LMIA, including offers to candidates who do not currently work for the employer.

The employer must:

• Be actively conducting business related to the offer
• Have a genuine employment need
• Be able to fulfill the terms of the offer
• Have no previous noncompliance with applicable federal or provincial employment or recruitment laws

The candidate must also have relevant work experience or education for the offered occupation.

The change follows updates to the Express Entry system, also effective Nov. 3, 2026, that award Comprehensive Ranking System points for qualifying job offers and Canadian work experience in certain high-wage occupations.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.