Canada has announced important changes to its Express Entry immigration system, introducing a new approach to Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for eligible Canadian work experience and qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the changes will take effect on November 3, 2026.
What Is Changing?
- Additional CRS points for eligible Canadian work experience
Candidates with at least 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in eligible high-wage occupations may receive additional CRS points, depending on the occupation’s wage level.
Up to 70 additional points for qualifying work experience in the highest wage tier.
Up to 40 additional points for the next wage tier.
Up to 20 additional points for other eligible high-wage occupations.
- New points for qualifying high-wage job offers
Eligible candidates with qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations may receive:
100 CRS points where the occupation meets the highest wage threshold.
70 points for the next wage threshold.
50 points for the third eligible wage threshold.
Candidates can receive points through either the eligible Canadian work experience route or the qualifying job-offer route under this new factor. The points from both routes cannot be combined.
- LMIA requirements for qualifying job offers will change
From November 3, 2026, an LMIA will no longer be required for qualifying job offers to receive the new Express Entry points or to meet specified job-offer requirements under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
However, job offers must still be genuine and satisfy the applicable immigration requirements.
What Does This Mean for Canadian PR Aspirants?
The changes may benefit some candidates with eligible Canadian work experience or qualifying high-wage job offers. However, they do not mean that every candidate with a job offer will receive additional points.
Candidates should review their occupation, work experience, job-offer eligibility and overall CRS profile before deciding on their immigration strategy.
IRCC has also indicated that existing Express Entry profiles will be recalculated when the new system takes effect. Candidates seeking points for qualifying job offers should ensure that their profile contains the required information.
An Important Reminder
Additional CRS points do not guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Invitations will continue to depend on the applicable selection criteria and CRS cut-off scores.
These changes should be assessed alongside the candidate’s eligibility for the relevant immigration program and the latest official requirements.
Need Guidance on Your Canadian PR Eligibility?
At Hodophiles Xplore Visas Pvt. Ltd., we help skilled professionals understand their immigration options and assess potential pathways based on their qualifications, work experience and individual profile.
Contact our team for a personalised assessment of your Canadian PR options.
