IRCC announced a new Express Entry labour-market factor taking effect November 3, 2026. Eligible Canadian work experience or a qualifying high-wage job offer may add substantial CRS points, while the LMIA requirement for qualifying offers changes.
The announcement in one minute
Starting November 3, 2026, IRCC will recalculate the Comprehensive Ranking System to award points for eligible Canadian work experience and qualifying high-wage job offers. High-wage means the occupation's typical earnings reach at least 1.3 times the overall Canadian workforce median; it is not based only on the salary written in one person's offer. Health care, skilled trades, engineering, technology and education are among the sectors IRCC highlighted.
Points for eligible Canadian work experience
A candidate may receive the regular duration-based Canadian work-experience points plus additional points when at least 12 months of eligible experience meets a high-wage threshold. General eligible experience must normally fall within the previous 10 years and be in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation. Special provisions may apply to physicians.
| Occupational earnings threshold | Points |
|---|---|
| At least 2× the median | 70 |
| At least 1.5× the median | 40 |
| At least 1.3× the median | 20 |
Points for a qualifying high-wage job offer
A qualifying offer may earn 50, 70 or 100 points depending on the occupation's wage threshold. The offer must still meet the applicable Express Entry requirements and generally be full-time, continuous, in Canada and for at least one year after permanent residence is granted.
| Occupational earnings threshold | Points |
|---|---|
| At least 2× the median | 100 |
| At least 1.5× the median | 70 |
| At least 1.3× the median | 50 |
The two options are not added together
Candidates cannot combine the job-offer points with the Canadian-work-experience points. IRCC will use whichever of the two produces the higher labour-market integration score. The factor can contribute up to 150 points without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, or up to 140 points with one.
What changes about LMIAs
Beginning November 3, an LMIA will no longer be required for a qualifying job offer to receive the new Express Entry points. A temporary public policy will also exempt candidates invited on or after that date from the LMIA or LMIA-exemption requirements for qualifying offers used to meet Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades eligibility, subject to its conditions. This does not turn every offer into a qualifying offer and does not automatically authorize anyone to work in Canada.
What existing Express Entry candidates should do
IRCC says Canadian-work-experience points will be recalculated automatically for existing profiles. Candidates who want to claim qualifying job-offer points must make sure their profile contains accurate, current offer information before November 3. Recalculation may take up to two weeks, and invitation rounds will be paused during that period.
Offer verification and compliance still matter
IRCC may verify that the employer is actively operating, has a reasonable employment need, can meet the offer terms, complies with employment law and that the candidate is qualified and likely to accept the position. A revoked offer no longer qualifies. False or misleading information can have serious immigration consequences.
What this means in practice
The change may improve the ranking of experienced workers already contributing in Canada and candidates with genuine offers in high-wage occupations. It does not guarantee an invitation. Program eligibility, category-based selection, provincial opportunities, document quality and the cut-off score for each invitation round still matter.
Free checklist
- Confirm the exact NOC and TEER for your actual duties
- Check whether the occupation meets IRCC's 1.3, 1.5 or 2.0 wage threshold
- Reconcile Canadian work dates, hours, authorization and employer records
- Update qualifying job-offer information before November 3 if claiming points
- Keep the offer, contract, payroll and employer evidence consistent
- Do not assume that no LMIA means no work-permit requirements
- Recheck the CRS after IRCC completes the recalculation
- Review the official instructions before making a profile change
Frequently asked questions
Can Canadian-work-experience points and job-offer points be combined?
No. IRCC will use whichever option gives the higher labour-market integration score; the two are not added together.
Does removing the LMIA requirement mean every job offer qualifies?
No. The offer must meet the Express Entry rules and the occupational wage threshold, and IRCC can verify the employer, the need for the job, the terms and the candidate's qualifications.
What should someone already in the Express Entry pool do?
Canadian-work-experience points should be recalculated automatically. A candidate seeking job-offer points should review and accurately update the offer information before November 3, 2026, then check the profile again after recalculation.
Official sources
Rules, forms and intake policies can change. Every case depends on its complete facts and evidence; this guide does not guarantee eligibility, an invitation or approval.