Have a high-paying job offer in Canada? The new Express Entry points, and why you no longer need an LMIA
For Express Entry candidates and employers. As of October 2026.
For years, a job offer only counted in Express Entry if the employer went through a labour market impact assessment (LMIA), a process many employers avoid. Starting November 3, 2026, that changes. IRCC announced on October 16, 2026 that Express Entry will add points for well-paid Canadian work and job offers, and that a qualifying job offer will no longer need an LMIA.
The problem: good job offers that did not count
Under the old rules, many candidates with a real offer from a Canadian employer received no job offer points at all, because the employer did not have an LMIA. IRCC’s change ties the new points to the wage of the occupation instead.
What changes on November 3, 2026
IRCC lists two new ways to earn points in the high-wage category. A candidate who qualifies under both receives whichever gives more points. The two are not added together.
Qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation
| Wage of the occupation | Points |
|---|---|
| At least 2 times the median wage | 100 |
| At least 1.5 times the median wage | 70 |
| At least 1.3 times the median wage | 50 |
Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation (at least 12 months)
| Work experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 12 months in occupations at 2 times the median wage | 70 |
| 12 months combined in occupations at 1.5 times the median wage or above | 40 |
| 12 months combined in eligible high-wage occupations (1.3 times the median wage or above) | 20 |
IRCC says the work experience points are added to the existing points for how long you have worked, up to a maximum of 150 points for Canadian work experience. The labour market integration factor is capped at 150 points without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, and 140 with one.
No LMIA for a qualifying job offer
From November 3, 2026, an LMIA is not required for a qualifying job offer to earn the new points. IRCC also announced a temporary public policy: candidates invited on or after November 3, 2026 are exempt from the LMIA requirement for a job offer used to qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program, if they meet the policy’s conditions.
What still applies
- Canadian work experience generally must be gained in Canada within the previous 10 years, in TEER categories 0 to 3.
- A qualifying job offer generally must be for full-time, continuous work in Canada for at least one year after the candidate becomes a permanent resident. Skilled trades and physicians have their own requirements.
- IRCC officers must be satisfied that a job offer is genuine. A job offer that is revoked no longer qualifies.
- More points do not guarantee an invitation. Invitations depend on each round’s requirements and its CRS cut-off.
What you can do before November 3
- Read the IRCC notice. Check whether your occupation and wage may fall in the high-wage category. IRCC publishes the median wage figures on its own pages.
- Update your profile if you may qualify. IRCC asks candidates who may qualify for job offer points to review and update their Express Entry profile before November 3.
- Employers: check the offer. Compare the job offer details with IRCC’s conditions before the candidate updates the profile.
- Get advice on your own situation. If your case is not simple, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
The point to remember
From November 3, a well-paid job offer can count in Express Entry without an LMIA. The points depend on the wage of the occupation, and an updated profile is still only one step: invitations follow each round’s cut-off.
Check the official page before you act:
Join the conversation
Are you or your employer reviewing a job offer under the new rules? What questions do you have? Share your experience or questions in the comments. Please do not post personal details, application numbers or documents.
This article is general information on Canadian law, as of October 2026. It is not legal advice and does not create a representative relationship. Always consult a licensed legal professional for your specific situation.
