CALGARY (News Desk — Muhammad Amanullah)
The Canadian federal government has announced significant changes to its Express Entry immigration system for permanent residence (PR), with the proposed reforms scheduled to take effect on November 3, 2026, according to the information provided in the announcement.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is expected to introduce additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for eligible candidates with Canadian work experience and qualifying high-paying job offers.
The stated objective of the reforms is to attract skilled workers who can meet Canada’s economic needs and contribute to the country’s workforce and long-term growth.
Eligible Job Offers Could Earn 50, 70 or 100 Additional CRS Points
Under the announced framework, candidates with qualifying high-paying job offers could receive 50, 70 or 100 additional CRS points, depending on the offered salary compared with the national median wage for the relevant occupation.
According to the criteria described in the announcement:
- 50 additional points for an eligible job offer paying at least 1.3 times the national median wage for the occupation.
- 70 additional points for an eligible job offer paying at least 1.5 times, but less than twice, the median wage.
- 100 additional points for an eligible job offer paying at least twice the median wage.
These additional points would not apply to every job offer. Candidates and employers would need to satisfy the relevant occupational classification, salary and other eligibility requirements.
Additional Points for Eligible Canadian Work Experience
The proposed changes would also benefit certain candidates with qualifying Canadian work experience.
Candidates working in specified eligible, higher-paying occupations could receive additional points based on their experience and the applicable criteria. The maximum additional points available under this new factor are reported to be 70.
However, candidates would not be able to claim additional points under both the qualifying Canadian work experience and eligible job offer categories simultaneously. The applicable calculation would take into account the category that provides the greater benefit.
LMIA Requirement to Be Removed for Eligible Job Offers
Another significant aspect of the announced reforms concerns the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
From November 3, 2026, an LMIA would no longer be mandatory for an eligible job offer to qualify under the relevant Express Entry rules, subject to the applicable requirements.
The change is also expected to affect job-offer eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
However, removing the LMIA requirement does not mean that every job offer will qualify. The genuineness of the offer, the employer’s eligibility, the terms of employment and the candidate’s qualifications will remain important considerations.
Existing Express Entry Profiles to Be Recalculated
According to the information provided about the reforms, candidates already in the Express Entry pool are expected to have their CRS scores recalculated automatically under the new system.
Candidates with potentially eligible job offers should review their profiles and ensure that their employment details, salary information and other relevant information are accurate and complete.
Applicants should also monitor official IRCC updates for confirmation of the implementation process and any instructions regarding their existing profiles.
Who Could Benefit from the Changes?
The reforms could particularly benefit candidates who have qualifying Canadian work experience or genuine job offers in eligible higher-paying occupations.
Professionals in engineering, electrical trades and other skilled occupations may benefit, depending on their occupation, salary, work experience and the applicable immigration criteria.
Candidates living outside Canada who do not have qualifying Canadian work experience or an eligible job offer would not receive additional points under these specific factors. However, they may still qualify for Express Entry through other applicable eligibility criteria and selection factors.
Candidates Advised to Review Official Immigration Guidelines
The proposed changes highlight the importance of reviewing Express Entry profiles, employment history, job offers and salary details before making immigration decisions.
Candidates should consult official Canadian immigration resources to confirm the applicable rules, eligibility requirements and CRS calculations before submitting or updating their applications.
Official Sources:
- IRCC announcement: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/10/canada-refocusing-express-entry-on-top-talent-that-drives-economic-growth.html
- Details of Express Entry changes: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/changes.html
