Martha Udom
OTTAWA — Canada has introduced new immigration rules under its Express Entry system, changing how points are awarded for Canadian work experience and qualifying job offers, effective November 3, 2026.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the reforms on October 16, introducing a new Labour Market Integration factor under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Under the new system, candidates can earn up to 150 points for eligible Canadian work experience, including additional points for experience in qualifying high-wage occupations. Candidates with a qualifying job offer in an eligible high-wage occupation can earn up to 100 points.
However, candidates can receive points through either Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer, not both. The maximum available points for the work experience option also depend on whether a candidate has an accompanying spouse or common-law partner.
IRCC defines a high-wage occupation as one whose median wage is at least 1.3 times the average median wage of the overall Canadian workforce.
The department has also removed the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement for qualifying job offers under Express Entry. However, immigration officers will continue to assess job offers to establish their authenticity and ensure they meet programme requirements.
IRCC further announced that invitation rounds under Express Entry would be suspended for up to two weeks while the Comprehensive Ranking System scores of candidates in the pool are recalculated.
The changes also introduce a revised points structure for qualifying job offers. Candidates whose offers meet the highest wage threshold of at least twice the average median wage can receive 100 points, while those meeting lower qualifying thresholds can receive 70 or 50 points.
The new rules are part of Canada’s efforts to align its immigration selection system with labour market needs by prioritising candidates with relevant Canadian work experience and qualifying high-wage employment opportunities.
