IImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant changes to the Express Entry system that will take effect on November 3, 2026. The changes will award additional points to candidates with eligible Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation, including occupations such as engineers and electricians.
According to IRCC, the revised points framework is intended to place greater emphasis on factors associated with stronger economic outcomes and improve Canada’s ability to attract and retain skilled workers who are well positioned to succeed in the labour market.
Additional Express Entry Points
Beginning November 3, 2026, additional Comprehensive Ranking System points will be available for:
- Eligible Canadian work experience; and
- A qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation, including certain engineering and electrical trades roles.
Under Express Entry, a job is considered a high-wage occupation if the median wage of all people in Canada performing that job is at least 1.3 times higher than the average median wage of the overall Canadian work force.
Candidates with at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation may receive additional CRS points based on the wage level of their occupation. High-wage occupations are grouped into 3 levels using the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes where the median wage is at least:
- twice the average median wage
- 1.5 times, but less than twice, the average median wage
- 1.3 times, but less than 1.5 times, the average median wage
Candidates with a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation may receive:
| High-wage occupation level | CRS points |
|---|---|
| At least 2 times the median wage | 100 |
| At least 1.5 times the median wage | 70 |
| At least 1.3 times the median wage | 50 |
LMIA No Longer Required for Qualifying Job Offers
As of November 3, 2026, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) will no longer be required for a qualifying job offer to receive the new Express Entry points. An LMIA will also no longer be required for a candidate to meet the job offer requirements under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
IRCC will continue to assess whether job offers are genuine and satisfy the applicable program requirements. The revised process is intended to reduce administrative burden for candidates and employers while retaining safeguards against fraud and protecting program integrity.
Impact on Existing Express Entry Profiles
- Candidates already in the Express Entry pool will have their Comprehensive Ranking System scores automatically recalculated under the new points system, including points for eligible Canadian work experience.
- Candidates seeking points for a qualifying job offer must update their Express Entry profiles with the required information before November 3, 2026.
- The recalculation process may take up to two weeks, and Express Entry invitation rounds will be paused during that period.
What Candidates and Employers Should Do
Candidates should review their Express Entry profiles before November 3, 2026, ensure that Canadian work experience is accurately recorded, and add all required information relating to a qualifying job offer. Employers should be prepared to provide documents demonstrating that an offer is genuine and meets the applicable program requirements, even though an LMIA will no longer be required for these purposes.
Broader Express Entry Context
These changes follow other recent measures intended to align Express Entry more closely with Canada’s economic and labour market priorities. In December 2025, Canada announced immigration measures for medical doctors, including a dedicated Express Entry category for doctors with Canadian work experience. In February 2026, Canada announced new and renewed categories prioritizing candidates with skills and experience in health care, skilled trades, research, transportation and education.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
