Express Entry at a glance: what changes on November 3, 2026, side by side
A two-minute read. The old rules and the new rules in one table, the exact point values from IRCC, and what stays the same.
On October 16, 2026, IRCC announced changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) that start on November 3, 2026. We already wrote the full explanation. This is the short version: the old rules and the new rules next to each other, with IRCC’s own numbers.
The difference in one table
| What | Until November 2 | From November 3 |
|---|---|---|
| CRS points for a job offer | None. Removed on March 25, 2025 (it used to be 50, or 200 for senior managers) | 50, 70 or 100, but only for an offer in a high-wage occupation |
| LMIA for a job offer | Needed (or a specific exemption) when a job offer is part of Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades eligibility | Not required for the new points, and not required for those two programs under a temporary public policy, if its conditions are met |
| Canadian work experience | Up to 80 points by years worked (70 with a spouse or partner) | The same years-based points, plus 20, 40 or 70 if you have 12 months in a high-wage occupation |
| Experience and job offer together | Not applicable | Not added together. You get whichever is higher, up to 150 (140 with a spouse or partner) |
| Invitation rounds | Running as usual | Paused for up to two weeks while every profile is recalculated |
The new points, tier by tier
A “high-wage occupation” is a job (NOC code) whose typical wage is at least 1.3 times the median wage of all Canadian workers. Your own salary does not decide it; your occupation does.
| Occupation’s median wage | Extra points for experience | Points for a job offer |
|---|---|---|
| 2 times the national median | 70 | 100 |
| 1.5 times | 40 | 70 |
| 1.3 times | 20 | 50 |
| Below 1.3 times | 0 | 0 |
Two quick examples
These use only IRCC’s published tables, for a candidate with no spouse or partner.
- One year in Canada, occupation at the 1.5 times level. Today: 40 points for Canadian experience. From November 3: 40 + 40 = 80.
- Five years in Canada, occupation at the 2 times level. Today: 80 points. From November 3: 80 + 70 = 150, the maximum.
Your exact total depends on your whole profile. Try both rule sets in our CRS calculator, which shows today’s score and the November 3 score.
What does not change
- A provincial nomination is still worth 600 points.
- French points stay at 25 or 50, and Canadian education at 15 or 30.
- The three programs stay the same: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades.
- More points still do not guarantee an invitation. Each round sets its own cut-off.
The 2026 draw categories
Category rounds carry on as before. IRCC lists ten categories for 2026. The five marked new were added in February 2026.
| Category | Main requirement |
|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | NCLC 7 in all four abilities |
| Healthcare and social services | 12 months in a listed job in the last 3 years, in Canada or abroad |
| STEM | Same 12-month rule |
| Trades | Same 12-month rule |
| Education | Same 12-month rule |
| Transport (new) | Same 12-month rule |
| Physicians (new) | 12 months in the last 3 years, in Canada only |
| Senior managers (new) | 12 months in the last 3 years, in Canada only |
| Researchers (new) | 12 months in the last 3 years, in Canada only |
| Skilled military recruits (new) | A Canadian Armed Forces job offer, plus service and education conditions |
Your checklist
- Find your exact NOC code and check whether it is on IRCC’s high-wage list.
- Have a job offer? Make sure your profile has the full details before November 3.
- Expect no invitation rounds for up to two weeks after November 3.
- Make sure your reference letters match the duties, hours and dates of the NOC you claim.
Not sure where you land? Our Brampton and London offices can review your NOC, months and job offer. Book a consultation.
General information only, not legal advice. Sources: IRCC, Changes to Express Entry for high-wage occupations and Canada refocusing Express Entry on top talent (October 16, 2026); CRS criteria; Category-based selection. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca. IRCC makes all final decisions.
