Express Entry changes 2026: extra CRS points for high-wage occupations and job offers without an LMIA
On October 16, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced changes to Express Entry to attract skilled talent. The changes take effect on November 3, 2026. Here is what changes, who it affects and what to do, based on the official IRCC news release.
The essentials in 30 seconds
Starting November 3, 2026, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) awards extra points for Canadian work experience or a job offer in a high-wage occupation.
Canadian work experience in those occupations: up to +70 additional points.
Job offer in those occupations: up to +100 points, and an LMIA is no longer required.
If you are already in the pool, IRCC will recalculate your score automatically. But if you have a job offer, you must update your profile before November 3 to get those points.
More points do not guarantee an invitation.
What is changing?
1. Extra points for Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation
A high-wage occupation is one whose median wage is at least 1.3 times the median wage of Canada's overall workforce. It is based on typical earnings for the occupation, not your individual salary. It includes sectors such as health care, skilled trades, engineering, technology and education. IRCC will publish and maintain the list of high-wage occupations.
With at least 12 months of Canadian work experience in one of these occupations:
Occupation at 2 times the median wage: +70 points
Occupation at 1.5 times the median wage or above: +40 points
Occupation at 1.3 times the median wage or above: +20 points
These points are added to the existing points for the duration of Canadian experience (up to 80 for 5 years), up to a combined maximum of 150. In general, the experience must have been gained in Canada within the last 10 years, in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations.
2. Extra points for a job offer in a high-wage occupation
Occupation at 2 times the median wage: +100 points
Occupation at 1.5 times the median wage: +70 points
Occupation at 1.3 times the median wage: +50 points
In general, the offer must be for full-time, continuous work in Canada for at least one year after becoming a permanent resident. If you qualify through both experience and a job offer, IRCC gives you whichever is higher; the two are not combined. The maximum is 150 points (140 with an accompanying spouse or partner).
3. No LMIA needed for the job offer
Starting November 3, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) will no longer be required for a qualifying job offer to earn these points. A temporary public policy also exempts job offers used to meet the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program requirements from the LMIA, for candidates invited on or after that date who meet its conditions. IRCC will continue to verify that each offer is genuine.
Who does it affect?
If you are in Canada
If you work in a high-wage occupation and have at least 12 months of Canadian experience, you may earn additional points. This is especially relevant if you are pursuing permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
If you are applying from abroad
If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer in a high-wage occupation, you may earn up to 100 points, and that offer will no longer need an LMIA for the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program, if you meet the conditions.
What is not changing?
Points for the duration of Canadian work experience remain.
IRCC continues to check that job offers are genuine and meet program rules.
More points do not guarantee an invitation: it depends on each round's cut-off score and requirements.
What should you do now?
If you are already in the pool: IRCC will recalculate your score automatically. It may take up to two weeks, and invitation rounds may pause in the meantime.
If you have a job offer: review and update your Express Entry profile before November 3, 2026.
Check your occupation on IRCC's high-wage occupation list.
Every case is different. If you want to review your strategy with a regulated consultant, book a consultation with us.
Follow us on Instagram @canadaplatform for updates on Express Entry.
Frequently asked questions
When do the changes take effect?
On November 3, 2026.
Do I need to do anything if I am already in the Express Entry pool?
IRCC will recalculate scores automatically. If you have a job offer in a high-wage occupation, update your profile before November 3.
What is a high-wage occupation?
An occupation whose median wage is at least 1.3 times the median wage of Canada's overall workforce. It is based on the occupation, not your salary. IRCC's list includes 186 occupations: 31 at 2 times the median wage or more, 89 at 1.5 times or more and 66 at 1.3 times or more. Check whether yours is on the official list of high-wage occupations.
Do I need an LMIA for my job offer?
Starting November 3, 2026, not to earn these points and, in certain cases, not to meet the FSWP or Federal Skilled Trades Program requirements. IRCC will still verify the offer.
Do more points guarantee an invitation?
No. Invitations depend on each round's cut-off score and requirements.
Official sources
Written by Veronica Diaz (RCIC R533637) and Ariane Chavez (RCIC R533315), consultants regulated by the CICC. For information only; not legal or immigration advice.
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