Skip to content
The Visa Tales

CanadaImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Express Entry starts scoring high-wage work on 3 November

IRCC published a backgrounder on 16 October 2026 setting out a labour market integration factor worth up to 150 CRS points, and removing the LMIA requirement for a qualifying job offer. It takes effect on 3 November 2026.

What they published

Changes to Express Entry for high-wage occupations (backgrounder, 16 October 2026)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · read 16 October 2026

  • The factor is capped at 150 points, or 140 with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner.

    The maximum number of points available under the labour market integration factor is 150 points for candidates without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner and 140 points for candidates with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner.
  • Work experience points and job offer points are not combined.

    Candidates who qualify under both will receive whichever option provides more points. The points for Canadian work experience and a job offer will not be combined.
  • More points is not more likely an invitation, on IRCC's own account.

    Receiving additional CRS points does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
  • IRCC asks affected candidates to update their profiles before the change lands.

    Candidates who may qualify for job offer points should review and update their Express Entry profiles before November 3
Read it on canada.ca