1. What changes on November 3, 2026
According to IRCC, starting November 3, 2026, the way points are awarded for Canadian work experience and valid job offers changes in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). A requirement also disappears: an LMIA is no longer needed for a job offer to earn points.
Law firms analyzing the October 16 announcement describe a new labour market integration factor: you receive points for Canadian experience or for a qualifying offer in a high-wage occupation, never both added together (the more favourable applies). The total for this factor is reportedly capped at 150 points without a spouse and 140 with one.
2. What is a “high-wage occupation”?
According to IRCC, an occupation is high-wage if the median wage of everyone working in it in Canada is at least 1.3 times the average median wage of the overall workforce. It is assessed by NOC code, not your actual salary or job, in three levels: at least 2 times, 1.5 to under 2 times, and 1.3 to under 1.5 times.
The list takes effect November 3, 2026 and is based on 2023–2025 data. If it changes after your Invitation to Apply (ITA), the level in effect on the invitation date still applies. It includes engineering, IT, health, finance and management occupations, as well as some skilled trades: check your NOC code on the official list.
3. How many points?
The amounts below come from law firms commenting on IRCC’s announcement. Confirm them on the official CRS criteria page before making any decision.
| Occupation level | Canadian experience (12 months or more) | Qualifying job offer |
|---|---|---|
| 2 times the average median wage or more | 70 | 100 |
| 1.5 to under 2 times | 40 | 70 |
| 1.3 to under 1.5 times | 20 | 50 |
These points are added to those already granted for the length of Canadian experience. A qualifying offer must be full-time (30 hours a week or more), and either permanent or valid for at least one year after you become a permanent resident.
4. What to do before November 3
Profiles already in the pool will be recalculated automatically. IRCC says the recalculation can take up to two weeks and invitation rounds will be paused during that time. If you have a valid job offer without an LMIA that is not in your profile, update it before the effective date.
A few reminders: more points do not guarantee an invitation, which depends on each round’s cut-off. Programs where a job offer is part of eligibility (Federal Skilled Trades, Federal Skilled Worker, some provincial streams) do not change on this point. Finally, these rules apply to Express Entry: Quebec has its own programs, including the PSTQ.
Sources: IRCC — high-wage occupations and IRCC — CRS criteria.
See also: Express Entry or PSTQ: how to choose if you live, or want to live, in Québec · Immigration plans and sponsorship: what is in force, what is coming · Official source: IRCC — Express Entry
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This article is for information only and does not replace personalized advice. Always check current requirements on the IRCC and MIFI websites.