Express Entry Changes on November 3, 2026: New CRS Points and No LMIA for Qualifying Job Offers

On October 16, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced changes to Express Entry that take effect on November 3, 2026. They introduce new Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for Canadian work experience and job offers in high-wage occupations, and remove the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement for qualifying job offers.

Here is what is changing, who it affects, and what to check as the new rules take effect.

 

Key changes at a glance

 

• New CRS points for high-wage occupations, for both Canadian work experience and qualifying job offers.
• No LMIA needed for qualifying job offers, for program eligibility or CRS points.
• Existing profiles will be recalculated under the new points system.
• Job offer information should be updated in profiles before November 3.
• Invitation rounds will pause for up to two weeks while profiles are recalculated.

 

The new points structure

 

IRCC is adding a Labour Market Integration factor to the CRS. Candidates earn points under it in one of two ways: through eligible Canadian work experience, or through a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation. Candidates who qualify for both receive whichever option gives more points; the two are not combined.

 

Points by occupation wage level

 

 

"High-wage" depends on the occupation's median wage, not on an individual's salary. The work experience points are added on top of the points for the length of that experience.

 

Points for length of Canadian work experience

 

 

Together, these give a maximum of 150 points for candidates without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner (80 + 70) and 140 for those with one (70 + 70). Eligible Canadian work experience generally must have been gained in Canada within the previous 10 years, in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation. Specific provisions apply to certain physicians.

 

No LMIA needed for qualifying job offers

 

From November 3, a qualifying job offer will no longer need an LMIA, whether it is used to meet program eligibility or to earn CRS points. Holding an LMIA will not add points or give a profile priority. The offer can be for an existing or a new position, with any employer, and must generally be for full-time, continuous work in Canada for at least one year after the candidate becomes a permanent resident. Specific requirements apply to some occupations, including skilled trades.

 

A temporary public policy will also exempt candidates invited on or after November 3 from LMIA-related requirements for job offers used to meet eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs, if they meet its conditions.

 

There is one practical catch. IRCC's online system will not reflect the change right away, so from November 3, candidates with a qualifying job offer but no LMIA are instructed to answer "Yes" to the positive-LMIA question and enter placeholder details published by IRCC. These instructions apply from November 3, not before.

 

A job offer still has to be genuine

 

Removing the LMIA does not lower the standard. A qualifying job offer must be current and in writing, and set out pay, duties and working conditions such as hours. A work permit on its own is not a job offer.

 

IRCC officers will check whether the employer is actively in business, whether the offer reflects a real need, whether the employer can meet its terms, whether the candidate can do the work, and whether the employer follows employment and recruitment laws. An offer that is withdrawn no longer qualifies.

 

What happens to existing profiles

 

IRCC will recalculate points in existing profiles when the changes take effect. This could take up to two weeks, and invitation rounds will pause until it is complete.

 

Who is affected

 

• Candidates with Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation may receive additional points on top of their existing work experience points.
• Candidates with an LMIA-supported job offer keep their offer, but the LMIA itself no longer adds points. Job offer points now depend on whether the occupation is high-wage.
• Candidates with a qualifying job offer but no LMIA may now be able to use that offer, as long as it meets IRCC's requirements.
• Candidates in occupations that are not high-wage continue to receive points for the length of their Canadian work experience, but no new high-wage or job offer points.

 

What this means for candidates

 

These changes may improve the competitiveness of eligible candidates, particularly those with Canadian work experience or genuine job offers in high-wage occupations. Whether a candidate benefits depends on their occupation's National Occupational Classification (NOC), its wage level and IRCC's requirements.

 

Extra points do not guarantee an invitation to apply. Each round will still have its own requirements and cut-off score.

 

What to check now

 

• If you have a job offer that is not in your profile, IRCC advises updating your profile before November 3.
• Make sure your work history and job offer details are accurate and complete.
• Find your occupation's NOC code to see whether it may count as high-wage.
• Mind the timing: the placeholder LMIA instructions start on November 3. If the system does not let you report an offer accurately before then, follow IRCC's guidance rather than entering details that do not match your situation.

 

How we can help

 

Every profile is different, and these changes will affect candidates in different ways. A consultation with our licensed RCIC can help you understand how the new rules may apply to your situation and what to update.

 

Book a consultation

 

Jebunnesa Chowdhury, RCIC · J Chowdhury Immigration Services Inc. · Verify our licence on the College's public register

 

This article is general information, not advice on any individual case.

 

Official sources

• Changes to Express Entry for high-wage occupations (IRCC backgrounder, October 16, 2026)
• 2026 changes to points for Canadian work experience and job offers in the Express Entry system (IRCC, modified October 16, 2026)
• Express Entry: Job offer (IRCC, modified October 16, 2026)