New
CanadaVisas and rules
Canada Express Entry: extra CRS points for high-wage occupations from 3 November
- Officially announced
- Oct 16, 2026
- Effective from
- Nov 3, 2026
- Last checked
- Oct 22, 2026
Checked against official sources
Key points
Applies in 11 daysNov 3, 2026
- Country
- Canada
- Topic
- Visas and rules
- Who
- People seeking permanent residence through Express Entry, and people who work or have worked in Canada (including those who worked on a PGWP or a Working Holiday, if they meet the work experience requirements). The announcement does not specifically mention international students or Working Holiday participants; check the official guidance to see whether it applies to you.
- Effective date
- Nov 3, 2026
On 16 October 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced changes to Express Entry, Canada's permanent residence selection system. From 3 November 2026, additional CRS points will be awarded for Canadian work experience in high-wage occupations and for high-wage job offers, and eligible job offers will no longer need an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
canada.ca (external site)
What changed
IRCC says: "Starting November 3, 2026, IRCC will award additional points to candidates with eligible Canadian work experience". High-wage occupations are those paying at least 1.3 times the national median wage.
Points for 12 months or more of Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation: 70 at 2 times the median, 40 at 1.5 times and 20 at 1.3 times.
Points for a high-wage job offer: 100 at 2 times the median, 70 at 1.5 times and 50 at 1.3 times. If both apply, only the higher score counts (they are not added together).
Eligible job offers will not need an LMIA, but IRCC officers will assess whether the offer is genuine.
CRS scores of candidates already in the pool will be recalculated automatically; IRCC says this can take up to 2 weeks and "invitation rounds will be paused" during that time.
Who it applies to
- People seeking permanent residence through Express Entry, and people who work or have worked in Canada (including those who worked on a PGWP or a Working Holiday, if they meet the work experience requirements).
- The announcement does not specifically mention international students or Working Holiday participants; check the official guidance to see whether it applies to you.
When it applies
- Oct 16, 2026Officially announced
- Nov 3, 2026Effective from
Announced on 16 October 2026. Takes effect on 3 November 2026. Candidates who want points for a job offer are asked to update their profile before 3 November.
Exceptions
Canadian work experience generally must be within the last 10 years and in TEER 0 to 3 occupations. Additional points do not guarantee an invitation to apply (ITA).
Show details
No invitation rounds will be held during the recalculation period (up to 2 weeks).
What to check or do
- Always check the official page for the latest information and your individual situation.
- 1.
- If you have an Express Entry profile, check that your job offer details are entered correctly before 3 November.
- 2.
- Check whether your occupation is TEER 0 to 3 and whether your wage meets the threshold using IRCC's official backgrounder.
- 3.
- For your individual situation, check IRCC's official pages or consult a qualified professional.
Official sources
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canada.ca (external site)
