Express Entry changes on November 3: new CRS points for high-wage work and job offers, no LMIA needed

What IRCC announced

IRCC says: “Starting November 3, 2026, IRCC will award additional points to candidates with eligible Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation.” The announcement was made on October 16, 2026. See IRCC’s news release and backgrounder.

The changes do not apply immediately. IRCC says they start on November 3, 2026.

What is a high-wage occupation?

A high-wage occupation is one where the median wage is at least 1.3 times the median wage of the overall Canadian workforce. IRCC says this is “based on the typical earnings of an occupation, not an individual candidate’s previous or current salary.”

IRCC will keep a list on its website. It uses Job Bank, Labour Force Survey and Census data from the previous three years. An occupation gets the highest level it met in any year of that period.

The list was not linked in either IRCC page when we checked on October 16, 2026.

How many points?

Canadian work experience

You need at least 12 months of eligible Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation.

These points are on top of the points for how long you worked (up to 80 for 5 years). Together, Canadian work experience can be worth up to 150 points.

Qualifying job offer

IRCC says the job offer is generally full-time, continuous and for at least one year after you become a permanent resident. There are specific rules for skilled trades and certain physicians.

Important limits

• Work experience points and job offer points are not combined. You get whichever gives you more.
• The labour market integration factor has a maximum of 150 points with no accompanying spouse or partner, or 140 with one.
• Extra points do not guarantee an invitation to apply (ITA).

No LMIA for a qualifying job offer

From November 3, 2026, an LMIA will not be required for a qualifying job offer to get the new points.

IRCC also says a temporary public policy will exempt candidates “invited to apply on or after November 3, 2026” from LMIA and LMIA-exemption requirements. This applies to qualifying job offers used to show eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades programs. It applies “provided they meet the conditions of the public policy.”

IRCC does not say how candidates who were already invited, or who already submitted an application, are treated. We do not assume more than IRCC says.

The job offer must be genuine

IRCC says officers must find that:

• the employer is actively engaged in the business
• the offer reflects reasonable needs
• the employer can meet the terms of the offer
• the candidate is qualified and likely to accept
• the employer followed employment and recruitment laws

IRCC also says: “A job offer that is revoked will no longer qualify.”

Score recalculation and a pause in draws

IRCC will recalculate the CRS scores of candidates in the pool automatically, including Canadian work experience points. IRCC says: “Candidates who wish to receive points for a qualifying job offer must update their profiles with the required information before November 3. The recalculation process may take up to two weeks, during which invitation rounds will be paused.”

IRCC does not give exact start or end dates for the pause. It also does not explain what “required information” means for a job offer in your profile.

What this means for you

• You have Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation: your score will be recalculated automatically. Check the IRCC list when it is published.
• You have, or expect, a job offer in a high-wage occupation: IRCC says to update your profile before November 3 to get job offer points.
• You were invited before November 3: IRCC is silent on how existing ITAs are treated. Follow the instructions in your ITA.
• You are waiting for a draw: expect a pause of up to two weeks during recalculation.

What to do next

1. Read IRCC’s backgrounder and watch for the high-wage occupation list.
2. Check whether your occupation (NOC) and your job offer could qualify.
3. Update your Express Entry profile before November 3 if you want job offer points.
4. See our CRS calculator, CRS improvement simulator, category checker and Express Entry guide. Our tools do not include these new points yet.

Frequently asked questions

Do the changes apply now?

No. IRCC says they start on November 3, 2026.

Do I need an LMIA for the new job offer points?

No. From November 3, 2026, an LMIA is not required for a qualifying job offer to get the new points.

Does my own salary decide if I get the points?

No. IRCC says it is based on the typical earnings of the occupation, not your salary.

Can I get both work experience points and job offer points?

No. You get whichever gives you more.

Will Express Entry draws stop?

IRCC says rounds will be paused during score recalculation, which may take up to two weeks. It has not given exact dates.

Sources

• IRCC news release: Canada refocusing Express Entry on top talent that drives economic growth
• IRCC backgrounder: Changes to Express Entry for high-wage occupations

Facts as provided in our research brief dated October 16, 2026.