How to get job offers in Canada while in the Express Entry pool

Canada’s economic immigration programs play a pivotal role in the nation’s labour market, driving nearly all recent workforce growth. These programs are closely tied to employment strategies that help Canadian employers fill vacant positions, especially when domestic hiring proves difficult. A key initiative supporting this objective is the integration of the Express Entry system, which allows employers to hire qualified foreign nationals from a pool of candidates.

The Role of Express Entry in Employment

The Express Entry system is central to Canada's immigration strategy, offering a streamlined process for selecting skilled workers who meet the country's labor market needs. Employers looking to fill positions with qualified workers from this pool must follow guidelines set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These guidelines ensure that hiring foreign workers complements domestic employment efforts and addresses genuine labor shortages.

To be eligible to hire through the Express Entry system, employers must ensure they are offering positions classified as "skilled work." In Canada, skilled work falls under specific categories of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system, known as TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) categories 0, 1, 2, and 3. These categories cover a wide range of jobs, from managerial roles (TEER 0) to technical and skilled trades (TEER 3).

In addition to offering a qualifying skilled position, employers must demonstrate that they have attempted to hire locally. This involves posting the job on Canada's national Job Bank, a government job posting website, and advertising the vacancy in at least two other places. By doing so, employers show that the job market has been thoroughly explored before considering foreign candidates.

How Employers Hire Through Express Entry

The hiring process begins with Canada’s Job Bank platform, which connects employers with job seekers, both domestic and international. One of the most valuable features for employers looking to hire foreign workers is the Job Match tool. This tool uses a sophisticated algorithm to match job postings with candidate profiles in the Job Bank system, including those in the Express Entry pool.

Once a job posting is uploaded, the system identifies candidates whose skills and qualifications align with the requirements of the position. Employers can then review these profiles and decide whether to move forward with the hiring process.

It's important to note that the Job Match tool doesn’t only connect employers with Express Entry candidates. It considers all job seekers registered in the Job Bank, meaning that employers might find both Canadian residents and foreign nationals who meet their hiring needs.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

In many cases, before hiring a foreign worker from the Express Entry pool, employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a document issued by the Canadian government that assesses the potential impact of hiring a foreign national on the local labor market. The assessment must show a neutral or positive impact, meaning the foreign hire will not negatively affect job opportunities for Canadian workers.

There are some situations where an LMIA is not required, such as certain international agreements or specific job categories that have been exempted. However, in most cases, securing a positive LMIA is a critical step in the process of hiring through Express Entry.

Once the LMIA is obtained (if needed), the employer can make a valid job offer under Express Entry guidelines. This job offer can significantly boost a candidate’s chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency, as it awards additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

How Express Entry Candidates Can Access Jobs

For foreign nationals already in the Express Entry pool, the Job Match feature offers a valuable opportunity to connect with Canadian employers. To be considered for jobs while in the pool, candidates must have a valid Express Entry profile, complete with a profile number and job seeker validation code. These details are provided by the IRCC once a profile is successfully submitted.

After creating a Job Match account, candidates must link their Express Entry information to the Job Match system. This process allows them to be paired with relevant job postings that match their skills and qualifications. However, it's important to note that Express Entry candidates will only be matched with jobs that have been posted on the Job Bank for at least 30 days, giving Canadian residents a priority window for applying.

Once a candidate’s profile is connected to the Job Match system, they can begin receiving potential job matches. Employers will then review the matches and may choose to extend a job offer. Securing a valid job offer not only provides candidates with employment opportunities but also strengthens their Express Entry profile, potentially speeding up their path to permanent residency.

Challenges and Solutions

Occasionally, Express Entry candidates may face difficulties when trying to connect their Job Match accounts with their Express Entry profiles. In these cases, it’s recommended that candidates follow specific steps outlined by the IRCC or seek assistance to resolve any technical issues. Ensuring both accounts are properly linked is crucial to being considered for employment opportunities while in the Express Entry pool.

Candidates who have questions or encounter problems are encouraged to contact the IRCC for support. Having accurate and up-to-date information in both the Job Match system and Express Entry profile ensures a smoother process when seeking employment.

The Importance of Job Match for Employers and Candidates

The Job Match feature provides clear benefits to both employers and Express Entry candidates. For employers, it’s a reliable way to find skilled workers who meet the demands of their businesses, especially in sectors facing labor shortages. For candidates, the system offers an additional avenue to improve their Express Entry score and increase the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

The alignment of job opportunities with skilled immigration programs like Express Entry highlights Canada’s commitment to growing its labor market through strategic, well-managed immigration policies. As the country continues to experience demographic shifts, such as an aging population and declining birth rates, the need for skilled immigrants will only grow.

Conclusion

Canada’s approach to immigration and employment is designed to support both economic growth and the labor market. Programs like Express Entry, combined with tools like the Job Match system, offer a clear pathway for skilled workers to integrate into Canada’s workforce while addressing labor shortages. As more employers turn to Express Entry candidates to fill critical roles, both Canadian businesses and foreign nationals benefit from this mutually advantageous system.

With immigration playing such a vital role in shaping the future of Canada’s workforce, the importance of connecting skilled workers with job opportunities cannot be overstated. Whether through LMIA processes or direct matches via Job Bank, the collaboration between employers and skilled foreign workers is essential for maintaining Canada’s economic momentum.