Canada will introduce changes to its Express Entry immigration system starting 3 November 2026, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Skilled workers can earn additional points for having Canadian work experience or job offers in high-wage occupations.
Applicants with at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation can receive 20, 40, or 70 points. Candidates holding qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations can be awarded 50, 70, or 100 points.
Individuals eligible under both categories will receive whichever option provides the higher number of points. The new labor market integration factor allows a maximum of 150 points for applicants without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, while those with one can receive up to 140 points.
IRCC will remove certain Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements for qualifying job offers used to claim these new points. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated it will assess job offers directly to verify their authenticity, noting that revoked job offers will no longer qualify.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) clarified that additional points do not guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residence, as selection continues to depend on eligibility requirements and CRS cutoff scores.
