How to Get a Canadian Job Offer with Visa Sponsorship via Express Entry

Canada’s Express Entry system is a popular pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. A confirmed job offer from a Canadian employer – often called “visa sponsorship” – can significantly boost your prospects under Express Entry.

This article explains how Express Entry works and the role of employer sponsorship (LMIA), highlights high-demand occupations, and offers practical tips for finding LMIA‑approved jobs and standing out as a candidate. The advice below is based on official Canadian government information (IRCC) and up‑to‑date market trends.

Overview of Express Entry

Express Entry is the online system Canada uses to manage immigration applications for economic programs. It includes the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs. Here’s how it works:

Create a profile: Skilled workers complete an online profile with details about their age, education, work history, language scores, etc.
Enter the pool: Profiles are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Higher scores have a better chance of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): IRCC conducts regular draws from the pool and invites top-ranked candidates to apply for PR.
Apply for PR: Within 60 days of an ITA, submit a full application. If approved, you will become a permanent resident of Canada.

Express Entry emphasizes factors like education, language, and work experience. Arranged employment (a valid Canadian job offer) used to give extra CRS points, but effective March 25, 2025, IRCC temporarily removed the 50 or 200 point bonus for job offers. Still, a job offer can be crucial: it may qualify you for eligibility in certain streams (e.g. Federal Skilled Trades) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and it’s essential for obtaining a work permit. In short, even without CRS points, a job offer signals employer support and a clear transition to Canadian work, improving your overall chances.

Understanding LMIA and Employer Sponsorship

Most Canadian employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before hiring a foreign worker. An LMIA is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada that shows “there is a need for a foreign worker” and no Canadian is available to do the job.

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LMIA-approved jobs: When an employer has a positive LMIA for a position, that job is effectively “visa-sponsorship ready.” The foreign worker can then apply for a Canadian work permit or permanent residence using the LMIA.

Employer’s role: The Canadian employer is responsible for getting the LMIA. They apply to Service Canada, explain the recruitment efforts they made, and pay the required fees. Once granted, the employer gives the LMIA (or LMIA number) to the worker.

Exemptions: Some jobs do not require an LMIA. Examples include certain NAFTA/CUSMA professions, intra-company transfers, charity/religious work, or under the Francophone Mobility program. In those cases, employers still need to provide an offer of employment number via the Employer Portal.

According to IRCC, after an employer receives a positive LMIA, the worker needs a job offer letter, a contract, and a copy of the LMIA to apply for a work permit. A work permit can be employer-specific (tied to that job and employer) or an open work permit in special cases.

In practice, this means job seekers should target LMIA-approved positions if they need employer sponsorship. Look for job ads that mention “LMIA available” or “will support work permit.” Even if the job ad doesn’t explicitly say so, applying to roles with Canadian employers in shortage fields increases the chances the employer will apply for an LMIA on your behalf. Remember: the employer applies for the LMIA, but you should confirm they intend to sponsor a work permit or Express Entry application.

Expert Tip: A positive LMIA demonstrates no Canadian worker is available. This helps you and your employer “sell” the position as necessary. Once the LMIA is approved, you use the LMIA number in your work permit application.

In-Demand Jobs in Canada

Canada’s labour market continues to face shortages in key sectors. Official reports note persistent gaps in healthcare, skilled trades, transportation, and more. Here are some of the highest-demand fields for 2025:

Healthcare: Registered Nurses, physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other health professionals remain in high demand. An aging population and growing healthcare needs have drastically increased healthcare vacancies. IRCC’s 2025 plan specifically targets draws for nurses, doctors, and other health roles.
Information Technology: Software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists and other IT professionals are needed as Canada’s digital economy grows. Developers are in high demand in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. The federal government’s Global Skills Strategy even accelerates visas for tech roles.
Skilled Trades and Construction: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, and other tradespeople face shortages as baby boomers retire. IRCC estimates 700,000 skilled tradesworkers will retire by 2028. The 2025 Express Entry draws include trades categories like carpenters and plumbers. Projected large infrastructure projects in 2025 will also boost demand for construction project managers.
Transportation and Logistics: Truck drivers and other transport workers are urgently needed. Official forecasts project a shortage of 70,000–130,000 transportation workers by 2035, especially truck drivers. E-commerce growth further fuels demand for warehouse staff and delivery drivers.
Agriculture: Canada’s farms frequently lack workers. In 2022, over 28,000 farm jobs were unfilled, a gap expected to grow to 15% by 2030. Seasonal agricultural work (fruit pickers, technicians) can be accessible with an LMIA, though they often use specific programs.
Education: Teachers and childcare providers remain needed, especially in certain provinces. IRCC’s 2025 plan even targets education professionals such as teachers and early childhood educators.
Other Fields: Roles in finance, human resources, customer service, and even hospitality (chefs, hotel managers) have pockets of demand. See government reports or provincial nominee streams for region-specific lists.

Many private sources echo these trends. Analysts note that technology, healthcare, and green energy industries will grow and need workers. An immigration advisory firm lists top roles like software developers, registered nurses, welders, and mechanics for 2025. In short, high-demand occupations are those with acute labor shortages or strategic growth (IT, health, trades, STEM). Whenever you apply, highlight any skills or experience in these in-demand areas. Employers in these sectors may be more willing to sponsor foreign workers.

How to Search and Apply for Jobs

Finding a Canadian employer who will sponsor you takes research and persistence. Use both official and commercial resources:

Government Job Bank: Canada’s Job Bank has a section for foreign candidates. Here, employers explicitly recruiting internationally post jobs. You can filter by your occupation or region.
IRCC and Provincial Sites: The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) site and provincial government sites offer job search links. Many provinces list in-demand occupations for their PNP streams – these can guide you to jobs likely to be sponsored.
Online Job Boards: Use popular sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster. On these sites, try keywords like “LMIA”, “visa sponsorship”, or “work permit” along with the job title.
Networking and Social Media: Connect with Canadians in your industry through LinkedIn groups or professional associations. Join international worker forums and community groups.
Recruitment Agencies: Some Canadian recruiting agencies specialize in international placements. They may help match your profile to employers open to sponsorship.
Job Fairs and Outreach: Occasionally, there are virtual job fairs or employer outreach programs targeting global talent.

Make sure your resume and cover letter follow Canadian norms. Tailor each application to the employer. If you have a complete Express Entry profile, mention your CRS score or openness to relocate. Emphasize your work authorization status.

Once you have a promising job lead: clearly communicate with the employer that you require visa sponsorship. If they proceed, the employer will guide you through obtaining an LMIA or work permit exemption. They may prefer candidates who are closer to being eligible (e.g. those already in Canada on a work or study permit).

Tips to Stand Out as a Candidate

Maximize Your Profile: Meet Express Entry requirements, have your education credentials assessed, and take an approved language test.
Highlight In-Demand Skills: Use NOC job titles and keywords that match Canadian job listings.
Canadian-style Resume: Use a 2-page format with clear headings, no photos, and an emphasis on achievements.
Language Advantage: If you’re bilingual, mention both languages prominently.
Licensing and Certifications: For regulated jobs, demonstrate your understanding of Canadian certification steps.
Network and References: Canadian references or industry connections help. Professional recommendations strengthen your application.
Professionalism and Follow-Up: Research companies before interviews, follow instructions, and be punctual.
Work Permit Readiness: Familiarity with LMIA and work permit processes reassures employers.

Success Stories

Many skilled immigrants have landed jobs with visa sponsorship. For example:

A plumber from overseas verified his credentials matched NOC 75101 and applied on Job Bank to a Saskatchewan employer. The employer received a positive LMIA, and he got a work permit. He entered the Express Entry pool and received an ITA under the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
A software engineer listed her skills on LinkedIn and connected with a Vancouver startup. After interviewing, the startup obtained an LMIA and hired her. She then applied for PR via Express Entry with employer support and now works in BC.

These stories show how being prepared and actively searching pays off.

Concluding Advice

Securing a Canadian job offer with visa sponsorship involves understanding both immigration rules and the job market. Key takeaways:

Know Express Entry: A job offer helps with eligibility even if it doesn’t boost CRS points currently.
Understand LMIAs: Most foreign job offers require employer-obtained LMIAs.
Target In-Demand Roles: Focus on shortage areas like health, IT, trades, transport, and STEM.
Use Official Resources: Leverage tools like the Job Bank and IRCC eligibility checkers.
Prepare Professionally: Create a strong resume and understand Canadian work culture.
Stay Informed: Rules change frequently. Monitor updates from IRCC and government sources.

With preparation and persistence, you can land a Canadian job offer and achieve your goal of working—and eventually living – in Canada.