10/16/2026
π¨π¦ MAJOR EXPRESS ENTRY UPDATE: CANADA TO PRIORITIZE TOP TALENT THAT DRIVES ECONOMIC GROWTH! π¨π¦
π’ On October 16, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced proposed changes to the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to better align Canada's immigration system with its economic and labour market needs.
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Effective Date: November 3, 2026
π KEY CHANGES TO EXPRESS ENTRY
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1. Additional CRS Points
Candidates with eligible Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation may receive additional CRS points under the new system.
π· 2. Greater Focus on High-Wage Occupations
Canada intends to prioritize skilled talent that can contribute to economic growth. The announcement highlights occupations such as engineers and electricians as examples.
π Official IRCC Reference β Eligible High-Wage Occupations:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/check-score/high-wage.html
π 3. Changes to LMIA Requirements
Starting November 3, 2026, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) will no longer be required for a qualifying job offer to receive the new Express Entry points or to meet job-offer requirements under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
β οΈ Job offers must still be genuine and meet the applicable IRCC program requirements. The removal of the LMIA requirement does not mean that every job offer will automatically qualify for CRS points.
π 4. Automatic CRS Score Recalculation
Candidates already in the Express Entry pool will have their CRS scores automatically recalculated under the new points system, including points for eligible Canadian work experience.
π 5. Important Action for Candidates
Candidates who wish to receive points for a qualifying job offer must update their Express Entry profiles with the required information before November 3, 2026.
βΈοΈ IRCC has indicated that the recalculation process may take up to two weeks, during which Express Entry invitation rounds will be paused.
π― WHAT SHOULD EXPRESS ENTRY CANDIDATES DO NOW?
βοΈ Review your current Express Entry profile and CRS score.
βοΈ Check whether your occupation falls within the eligible high-wage occupation criteria.
βοΈ Review your Canadian work experience and qualifying job offer details.
βοΈ Update your profile before the deadline if you intend to claim points for a qualifying job offer.
βοΈ Follow official IRCC instructions and verify your eligibility before making changes.
π¨π¦ Planning your Canadian Permanent Residence journey?
SM Immigration Inc. can assist you with Express Entry profile assessments, CRS score reviews, eligibility assessments and immigration pathway planning.
SM Immigration Inc.
Make Your Dreams Come True!
π +1 (647) 717-2582
π§ [email protected]
π www.smimmigration.ca
π Brampton | Mississauga, Ontario
By appointment only
Sivakumar Vivegananthan, RCIC & Commissioner for Oaths
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