Key takeaways
- From November 3, 2026, the CRS adds a new Labor Market Integration factor, worth up to 150 points.
- Qualifying high-wage job offers are scheduled to earn 50, 70 or 100 points from November 3, 2026.
- The announced LMIA change applies to qualifying Express Entry offers. It does not remove separate work-permit requirements.
What changed? In March 2025, IRCC removed all CRS points for job offers. On October 16, 2026, it announced a replacement: a Labor Market Integration factor that rewards either your Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer, whichever scores higher. You cannot get both.
What is a "high-wage occupation"? IRCC looks at the median wage of everyone in Canada working in your NOC code, not your personal salary. An occupation qualifies if that median is at least 1.3 times the national average median wage. IRCC groups qualifying NOCs into three levels and publishes the list on canada.ca.
- Your situation: Qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation; Level 1 (1.3x median): 50 points; Level 2 (1.5x median): 70 points; Level 3 (2x median): 100 points
- Your situation: 12+ months of Canadian work in a high-wage occupation (bonus on top of work-length points); Level 1 (1.3x median): 20 points; Level 2 (1.5x median): 40 points; Level 3 (2x median): 70 points
The factor is capped at 150 points for a single candidate and 140 with an accompanying spouse or partner.
What about LMIAs? From November 3, the announced rules remove the LMIA requirement for qualifying Express Entry job-offer points. A separate temporary policy applies to qualifying offers used for Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades eligibility, subject to its conditions. The offer must still be genuine and meet the applicable requirements.
What should you do before November 3?
- Check whether your NOC code is on IRCC's high-wage list.
- If you have a written job offer in a listed occupation, add it to your Express Entry profile now.
- Follow IRCC's current profile instructions, including any transitional questions about your offer.
- Program eligibility and CRS points are different checks. An offer must meet the requirements of the program and policy that apply to you.
For Saskatchewan workers, compare the announced federal changes with the current SINP stream requirements. The right route depends on your complete circumstances; a higher score does not guarantee an invitation.
FAQ
Does the announcement remove every LMIA requirement? No. Read the qualifying-offer rules and temporary policy conditions; other immigration and work-permit requirements still apply.
Can I get points for both a job offer and Canadian work experience? No. IRCC awards whichever of the two gives you the higher score.
Is "high-wage" based on my salary? No. It is based on the national median wage for your NOC code.
Where can I check the transition? Use IRCC's current Express Entry instructions and rounds page before updating or submitting your profile.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Anchor Point Immigration Inc. is not affiliated with IRCC or any government. IRCC makes all decisions and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Sources
General information to help prepare your questions. This article does not assess your individual circumstances.