Express Entry Job Offer Points Are Back: What Changed

Short answer

From 3rd November 2026, a valid job offer can earn Canada Express Entry points again, and you no longer need an LMIA for those points. The job has to be in an occupation on IRCC's high-wage list. It's worth 100, 70 or 50 points, depending on how that occupation's median wage compares with the average median wage of all Canadian workers.

What changed on 3rd November 2026

IRCC announced on 16th October that job offers would count towards Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores again from 3rd November. A new Labour Market Integration factor gives you either Canadian work experience points or job offer points, whichever is higher. You can't get both.

How many points a job offer is worth

The points depend on the occupation, not on your own salary or job title:

• 100 points if the occupation's median wage is at least 2 times the average median wage of all Canadian workers
• 70 points at 1.5 times up to under 2 times
• 50 points at 1.3 times up to under 1.5 times

Only jobs on IRCC's high-wage list count. The list has 186 occupations, uses 2023 to 2025 wage data and comes into effect on 3rd November 2026. If the list changes later, you keep the level that applied on the day you were invited to apply.

Registered nurses (NOC 31301) are at the 1.5 times level, so a valid job offer in that occupation is worth 70 points.

Which trades count

IRCC's announcement mentions engineers and electricians, but only some electricians are on the list. Industrial electricians (72201, 50 points) and power system electricians (72202, 70 points) count. Construction electricians (72200) don't. Steamfitters and pipefitters (72301, 70 points), gas fitters (72302, 50 points) and bricklayers (72320, 50 points) are on the list too. Plumbers, welders and carpenters aren't.

The list only affects CRS points. A job offer used to meet Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades eligibility doesn't have to be on the high-wage list. It can be any TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 job that meets the program's rules.

Do you still need an LMIA?

No, not for a valid job offer to count for program eligibility or CRS points. An LMIA doesn't add extra points or priority. IRCC's online profile hasn't caught up with the change yet, so it still asks you to say you have a positive LMIA, and IRCC gives placeholder values to enter.

Update your profile, and expect a pause

IRCC said candidates who wanted job offer points had to update their profiles before 3rd November. Scores are now being recalculated, which may take up to two weeks, and invitation rounds are paused until that's done.

What makes a job offer genuine

Officers check that the employer is active in the business, can meet the terms of the offer, made an offer that meets their needs and follows employment and recruitment laws. They also check that you have the skills and experience to do the work, and that you're likely to accept the offer and carry out the job. The offer can be for a new or existing job, with a new or existing employer.

A job offer that earns points is not the same as a work permit. The change removes the LMIA requirement for CRS job offer points only. Canadian work permits still come under either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which needs an LMIA, or the International Mobility Program, which doesn't.

Is it legal to pay for a job offer?

You shouldn't pay for a Canadian job offer. IRCC says honest companies pay recruiters to find workers. Employers can't charge workers the LMIA fee or recruitment fees, and they have to make sure recruiters acting for them don't either. Workers still pay their own visa and work permit fees. Being asked to pay for a job offer or an LMIA is a sign it could be a scam. You can report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

For recruitment agencies

If you recruit for Canadian employers, check the exact NOC code against the high-wage list before you tell a candidate an offer will add points. "Electrician" on a job brief could be 72200, which earns nothing, or 72202, which earns 70. The offer itself comes from the employer, and it's the employer's offer an officer will assess.

On Global Sponsor Hub your first client role is free once it's been reviewed, and client roles show clearly that an agency posted them. See how it works for agencies.

For employers

Hiring in Canada? Post a role on Global Sponsor Hub. Your first role is free, live until filled, and you'll reach over 3,000 candidates and growing daily.

If you or your hires want advice on a specific case, you'll find immigration and relocation specialists in the Global Sponsor Hub specialist directory.

Official sources

• IRCC news, 16th October 2026: Canada refocusing Express Entry
• IRCC: Express Entry changes
• IRCC: high-wage occupations list
• ESDC: find out if you need an LMIA
• IRCC: report fraud

Last checked: 29 Oct 2026