Wave Visas How Canadian employers can hire immigrants permanently

An article for Canadian employers who want to hire a foreign worker through the Express Entry system.

Canada’s Express Entry system is the main immigration pathway for foreign workers, but it is only open to “skilled” occupations. In this article, we will help you understand what is considered to be a “skilled” occupation, what makes a “valid job offer,” and how to help your new employees to become permanent residents.


Before hiring immigrants, is important to know the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code and NOC skill level of the job you are hiring for. For now, NOC skill levels are divided into 0, A, B, C, and D.

Occupations are classified into these skill levels based on how much education, experience, and job-specific training is required for the worker to carry out the necessary duties. Once you know this, it will help you figure out your employee’s immigration options.

Express Entry only recognizes occupations in three of these skill levels: 0, which are management positions; A, jobs that require a university degree; and B, technical jobs and skilled trades that may require college or apprenticeship training. If you are hiring for an NOC C or D occupation you will have to use a different immigration program.

Keep in mind, NOC skill level classifications will change in late 2022. There have been no official details released on which occupations will become eligible for Express Entry, and which ones will become ineligible. The changes will not affect the immigrant-hiring process.

Most employers need an LMIA
Oftentimes, the first step to hiring an immigrant is to demonstrate to the federal government that there is no Canadian available to fill the open position.

To do this, you need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). There is usually an advertising requirement for the LMIA, which means you have to post your job on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank and advertise in two other places.