Quick answer: A Canadian job offer should clearly identify the employer, position, pay, hours, start date, work location, employment status and important conditions. Read the employment agreement—not only the offer email—before signing. Ask for unclear promises in writing and never pay an employer for a job offer.
Job offer checklist
| Item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Employer | Legal name, address and real contact |
| Role | Title, duties and reporting manager |
| Pay | Hourly wage or salary, pay frequency, overtime and commissions |
| Schedule | Regular hours, shifts, weekends and on-call expectations |
| Status | Permanent, fixed-term, temporary, full-time or part-time |
| Location | Worksite, remote/hybrid rules and travel |
| Benefits | Coverage, employee cost and waiting period |
| Time off | Vacation time, vacation pay and paid days |
| Probation | Length and assessment terms |
| Termination | Notice and pay language |
| Conditions | References, licence, background check or work authorization |
Offer letter vs employment contract
An offer letter may summarize the job, while the employment agreement contains detailed legal terms. Read every linked policy and attachment. Ask for time to review. If a term is important—remote work, a guaranteed bonus, schedule or relocation support—make sure it appears in writing.
How to verify the employer
- Visit the company’s official website independently.
- Confirm the sender’s email domain.
- Search the business name and address.
- Call a publicly listed number, not only the number in the message.
- Confirm that interviews actually occurred.
- Never send payment, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Pay and deductions
Confirm whether the amount is hourly or annual, whether vacation pay is included, and how overtime is calculated. In Ontario, compare the offer with the current minimum wage, overtime rules and wage-deduction limits.
Immigration-related warning
A job offer does not automatically create a work permit or permanent residence eligibility. Immigration programs define valid job offers differently, and rules change. Verify information through IRCC. Be extremely cautious when anyone sells a job or promises guaranteed PR. Read our legitimate LMIA employer guide. For an Atlantic Immigration Program offer, confirm the company through our AIP designated employers list and the province’s official source.
Questions to ask before signing
- Who will be my direct manager?
- What does success look like in the first 90 days?
- Is overtime expected and how is it paid?
- When do benefits begin?
- Is the schedule guaranteed?
- Which conditions must be completed before the offer is final?
- When does the offer expire?
Frequently asked questions
Can I negotiate after receiving an offer?
Yes. Thank the employer, ask focused questions and make a reasonable evidence-based request before signing.
Is a verbal offer enough?
A verbal agreement can create misunderstandings. Request the complete written terms before resigning from another job or making major commitments.
Should I sign immediately?
You can ask for reasonable review time. High-pressure demands are a warning sign, especially when important terms are missing.
Official resources
Use the Government of Canada’s work in Canada information for work authorization and your province’s employment-standards guide for minimum workplace rights.
Check whether immigration documents are actually required
If the offer mentions an LMIA, compare an LMIA job offer with an ordinary job offer. Temporary foreign workers should also know that an employer cannot take away a worker’s passport or work permit.
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