On October 16, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced changes to how Express Entry candidates are ranked.
Starting November 3, 2026, candidates may get extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points if they have a qualifying job offer, or eligible Canadian work experience, in a high-wage occupation. IRCC calls a job high-wage when the Canada-wide median wage for that occupation is at least 1.3 times the national median. The list has three levels (1.3x, 1.5x and 2x), and higher levels earn more points. Eligible occupations are those on IRCC's high-wage occupations list (for example nurses, teachers, engineers, software developers, skilled trades and managers).
A qualifying job offer will no longer need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to earn these points. IRCC says it will keep checking that job offers are genuine and meet program rules.
Candidates already in the pool will have their scores recalculated. If you have a job offer, IRCC says to add its details to your profile before November 3. IRCC also says invitation rounds will pause during the recalculation, which may take up to two weeks.
Your occupation is based on the duties of your job, matched to a NOC code. If you're not sure whether your job may be covered, tell us your situation and our office will review it.
Sources: IRCC news release (2026-10-16) · IRCC high-wage occupations list (2026-10-16)
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice on your situation, book a consultation; files are reviewed by Atty. George M. Garvida (LSO 68091D) before filing.