The Government of Canada has announced significant changes to the Express Entry system that will take effect on November 3, 2026. The new measures are designed to better recognize candidates who have strong labour market potential through high-wage employment in Canada. These changes will introduce new Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for eligible Canadian work experience and qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations, while also eliminating the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement for qualifying job offers used in Express Entry.
The objective of these updates is to improve how Express Entry identifies candidates who are well-positioned to succeed economically in Canada by rewarding high-demand, high-wage occupations and streamlining the assessment process for employers and applicants.
Key Changes Effective November 3, 2026
New CRS Points for High-Wage Occupations
Candidates may now receive additional CRS points through one of the following pathways:
- Eligible Canadian Work Experience
Additional points may be awarded based on the duration and wage level of qualifying Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation - Qualifying Job Offer
Candidates with a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation may also receive additional CRS points based on the wage level of the position offered.
Applicants who qualify under both categories will receive points from the option that provides the higher score. CRS points from Canadian work experience and qualifying job offer cannot be combined.
Maximum CRS Points Available
The new labour market integration factor provides:
- Up to 150 CRS points for candidates without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner.
- Up to 140 CRS points for candidates with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner.
However, receiving these additional points does not automatically guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Invitations will continue to depend on the CRS cut-off score and the requirements of each Express Entry draw.
Removal of LMIA Requirements
A major component of the new policy is the removal of the LMIA requirement for qualifying job offers used to obtain Express Entry points and establish program eligibility. Beginning November 3, 2026, candidates will no longer need an LMIA-supported job offer to claim these new points.
The government will also implement a temporary public policy exempting eligible candidates from LMIA-related requirements under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program, provided they meet applicable conditions.
How IRCC Will Assess Job Offers
Although the LMIA requirement is being removed, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue to review and verify job offers to ensure program integrity.
IRCC officers will evaluate whether:
- The employer is actively operating the business.
- The job offer reflects a legitimate hiring need.
- The employer can reasonably fulfill the employment terms.
- The applicant has the qualifications and ability to perform the role.
- The employer complies with applicable employment and recruitment laws.
- The candidate is likely to accept and carry out the employment
Job offers that are withdrawn or found not to be genuine will no longer qualify for Express Entry points.
What This Means for Applicants and Employers
The new system places greater emphasis on applicants who have demonstrated labour market success in Canada or who have secured well-paying employment opportunities. For employers, the removal of LMIA-related requirements may make it easier to attract and retain international talent through economic immigration pathways.
These changes are expected to improve alignment between Express Entry selection criteria and Canada’s labour market needs, particularly in sectors where highly skilled and experienced workers are in demand.
Bottom Line
The updated Express Entry framework rewards candidates with strong earning potential and labour market integration while streamlining the process for employers. Individuals with high-wage Canadian work experience or competitive job offers may benefit from higher CRS scores, improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.