Express Entry Changes from November 3, 2026: What Candidates Should Check
Updated October 16, 2026
Canada has announced Express Entry changes taking effect on November 3, 2026. If you have Canadian work experience or a Canadian job offer, this is a good time to review your profile and supporting documents.
Your occupation matters more than your individual salary
IRCC will use its published National Occupational Classification (NOC) list to identify high-wage occupations. The level depends on typical earnings across the occupation, rather than your personal pay. A higher salary alone does not put your job into a higher tier. Confirm the correct NOC from your duties and check the official list.
The new points
Occupation wage level | Extra Canadian experience points* | Qualifying job offer points |
At least 2 times the national benchmark | 70 | 100 |
At least 1.5 but below 2 times | 40 | 70 |
At least 1.3 but below 1.5 times | 20 | 50 |
*Extra experience points require at least 12 months of qualifying Canadian experience in eligible occupations. IRCC permits certain combinations across occupations; the highest applicable level is assessed. These points are added to the points for the length of Canadian experience.
Under the new Labour Market Integration factor, IRCC compares the Canadian-experience score with the qualifying-job-offer score and awards the higher result. The two routes are not added together.
What the LMIA change means
From November 3, a qualifying Express Entry job offer will no longer need an LMIA to receive the new points or meet the relevant Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades job-offer requirements. IRCC will still check that the offer is genuine and meets the applicable criteria.
This announcement concerns Express Entry. It should not be treated as permission to work or as the removal of LMIA requirements from every work-permit route. An offer outside the high-wage list may still matter for program eligibility even where it earns no CRS job-offer points.
What to do before November 3
If you want to claim qualifying-job-offer points, review your profile before November 3 and ensure the required offer details are complete and accurate. Check your NOC, employment dates, job duties and offer documents. This is targeted guidance for affected candidates, rather than an announcement that every profile will expire on November 3.
Existing scores will be recalculated automatically. IRCC says this could take up to two weeks, with invitation rounds paused during that process.
IRCC has also published special online-form instructions for offers without an LMIA, applicable from November 3. Follow the official instructions for the relevant date; do not invent LMIA details or assume the new rules apply early.
Review your own position
The effect will differ from one candidate to another. Borama Immigration Consulting can review your occupation, work history and job offer with you during an online consultation. Contact info@boramaimmigration.com or visit boramaimmigration.com to book.
This article provides general information based on IRCC guidance available on October 16, 2026. It is not an individual eligibility assessment or a guarantee of an invitation or permanent residence. Requirements and operational instructions may change.
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