10/16/2026
🇨🇦 Major Express Entry Update: New CRS Points for High-Wage Occupations + No More LMIA for Job Offers
On October 16, 2026, IRCC announced significant changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), taking effect November 3, 2026.
🔹 What's changing
1⃣ New points for high-wage occupations
A "high-wage occupation" is one whose median wage is at least 1.3× the national median (based on the occupation, not your personal salary). Examples include engineers, electricians, and roles in health care, skilled trades, technology and education. IRCC will publish the list.
2⃣ Canadian work experience
You keep your existing points (up to 80 for 5 years), PLUS additional points for 12+ months in a high-wage occupation:
• 2× median → +70
• 1.5× median → +40
• 1.3× median → +20
Maximum: 150 points.
3⃣ Qualifying job offers (high-wage occupations only)
• 2× median → 100 points
• 1.5× median → 70 points
• 1.3× median → 50 points
Note: Work experience points and job offer points are NOT combined — you get whichever is higher.
4⃣ LMIA no longer required
From November 3, an LMIA will not be needed for a qualifying job offer to earn CRS points or to meet FSWP/FSTP job offer requirements. IRCC officers will still assess whether the offer is genuine and the employer is compliant.
⚠️ Action items for candidates already in the pool
• Your CRS score will be recalculated automatically.
• If you have a job offer, UPDATE YOUR PROFILE BEFORE NOVEMBER 3 to claim the new points.
• Invitation rounds will pause for up to two weeks during the recalculation.
• Higher points do not guarantee an ITA — cut-off scores still apply.
This builds on earlier 2026 category-based draws for health care, trades, research, transportation and education, signalling a clear shift toward high-skill, high-wage talent.
Unsure how these changes affect your score or your hiring plans? Jain Law Corporation can help candidates and employers navigate the new rules.
📞 778-734-2023 | ✉️ [email protected] | 🌐 www.jainlaw.ca
Source: IRCC news release and backgrounder, October 16, 2026.
This post is general information only and is not legal advice.
