Express Entry Introduces New Points for High-Wage Occupations Starting November 3

For Express Entry purposes, a high-wage occupation is one whose Canada-wide median wage is at least 1.3 times the median wage of the overall Canadian workforce. Eligibility is not determined by your individual salary. What matters is whether the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code corresponding to your actual job duties appears on IRCC’s eligible occupation list.

Eligible occupations are divided into three levels: at least 1.3 times but less than 1.5 times the national median wage; at least 1.5 times but less than twice the national median wage; and at least twice the national median wage. The complete list of eligible occupations, organized by NOC code, appears later in this article.

The new system awards points according to the occupation’s high-wage level.

To receive additional points for Canadian work experience, candidates must have at least 12 months of eligible Canadian work experience in the relevant occupations. Experience across more than one eligible occupation may be combined to meet the applicable threshold.

Candidates whose occupations do not qualify for high-wage points will continue to receive points based on the duration of their eligible Canadian work experience.

The system compares the following two scores:

• Points based on the duration of eligible Canadian work experience, together with any additional points for experience in high-wage occupations.
• Points for a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation.

Candidates who qualify under both options receive whichever score is higher. The two scores are not added together. The maximum available under this assessment 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.

Starting November 3, candidates will not need an LMIA to receive the new job offer points. Subject to the applicable public policy conditions, LMIA-related requirements will also be waived for job offers used to establish eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Job offers will still be assessed. Generally, a qualifying offer must be for continuous, full-time employment in Canada for at least one year after the candidate becomes a permanent resident. IRCC will also assess whether the offer is genuine and whether the employer can fulfil its terms.

This change concerns the assessment of job offers under Express Entry. It does not mean that LMIAs are no longer required for all work permit applications.

CRS scores for candidates already in the Express Entry pool will be automatically recalculated under the new system. However, IRCC advises candidates seeking job offer points to ensure that all required job offer information is included and accurate in their profiles before November 3.

The recalculation process may take up to two weeks. Invitation rounds will be paused during this period.

Until the online system fully reflects the new requirements, candidates with job offers that do not have an LMIA must follow IRCC’s specific entry instructions. Before updating your profile, consult IRCC’s latest job offer instructions.

The following occupations are eligible starting November 3, 2026. The applicable level is determined by the NOC code corresponding to your actual job duties, rather than your individual salary.

Occupations With a Median Wage of at Least Twice the National Median

Eligible Canadian work experience may receive 70 additional points. A qualifying job offer may receive 100 points.

Occupations With a Median Wage of at Least 1.5 Times but Less Than Twice the National Median

Eligible Canadian work experience may receive 40 additional points. A qualifying job offer may receive 70 points.

Occupations With a Median Wage of at Least 1.3 Times but Less Than 1.5 Times the National Median

Eligible Canadian work experience may receive 20 additional points. A qualifying job offer may receive 50 points.

This list was published by IRCC on October 16, 2026. Eligible occupations and their assigned levels may change. If the list changes after an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is issued, IRCC will assess the application using the occupation level that applied on the date of the invitation.

These changes may increase CRS scores for candidates working in eligible occupations or holding qualifying job offers. A useful first step is to confirm the NOC code that matches your actual duties and check its level on the eligible occupation list.

However, a higher CRS score does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. Invitations depend on the eligibility requirements and CRS cut-off score for each round.

At Shiraishi Visa JP Canada, we provide individual consultations based on your work history and current employment circumstances. Please contact us if you would like to understand how these changes may affect your profile or discuss your next steps toward permanent residence.

This article is a summary prepared by Shiraishi Visa JP Canada based on official information from the Government of Canada, organized for clarity and ease of understanding.
Source: Changes to Express Entry for high-wage occupations
Source: 2026 Changes to points for Canadian work experience and job offers in the Express Entry system
Source: High-wage occupations and how we assess them

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