Express Entry changes announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on October 16, 2026 take effect on November 3, 2026. They change how the
Express Entry Changes Take Effect November 3, 2026: New Points for High-Wage Work and No LMIA Required
Express Entry changes announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on October 16, 2026 take effect on November 3, 2026. They change how the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) rewards Canadian work experience and job offers.
What is a High-Wage Occupation?
An occupation is “high-wage” if its median wage is at least 1.3 times the median wage of the overall Canadian workforce. It depends on the occupation (NOC), not your own salary. IRCC’s published list currently uses 2023–2025 data. Examples include engineers and electricians, in fields such as health care, skilled trades, engineering, technology and education.
1. Extra Points for Canadian Work Experience
With at least 12 months of eligible Canadian experience in high-wage occupations, candidates earn bonus points on top of existing Canadian experience points (up to 80):
- 70 points: 2 times the median wage or more
- 40 points: 1.5 times the median wage or more
- 20 points: 1.3 times the median wage or more
Experience must generally be gained in Canada within the previous 10 years, in TEER 0–3 occupations.
2. Points for a Qualifying Job Offer
- 100 points: 2 times the median wage or more
- 70 points: 1.5 times the median wage or more
- 50 points: 1.3 times the median wage or more
The offer must generally be for full-time, continuous work for at least one year after you become a permanent resident. If you qualify for both, you receive whichever gives more points. The maximum under the labour market integration factor is 150 points (140 with an accompanying spouse or partner).
3. LMIA No Longer Required
From November 3, 2026, a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) is not required for a qualifying job offer to earn these points. Under a temporary public policy, candidates invited on or after November 3 are also exempt from LMIA requirements for job offers used to meet Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades eligibility. Officers will still verify that each offer is genuine.
What Happens to the Pool?
- Scores in the pool are recalculated automatically, which may take up to two weeks; invitation rounds are paused meanwhile.
- Candidates who want job offer points must update their profiles before November 3.
- If the high-wage list changes after you are invited, the level in effect on your invitation date applies.
- Higher points do not guarantee an invitation.
Next Steps
- If you have a qualifying job offer, update your profile today.
- Check your occupation code against IRCC’s high-wage list, then review your new score after recalculation.
To find out how these changes affect your CRS score, complete our online assessment or contact our office to book a consultation.
Sources: