Express Entry: two scoring paths

The new Labour Market Integration factor compares eligible Canadian work experience with a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation. Candidates receive the higher result; the two paths are not added together. IRCC explains the new scoring framework here.

The experience amounts require at least 12 months of qualifying Canadian experience at the relevant level. They supplement work-length points. The factor’s overall maximum is 150 without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, or 140 with one. A qualifying offer provides up to 100 points. See IRCC’s eligibility details and calculation rules.

What changes for an LMIA?

IRCC no longer requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment for a job offer to qualify for Express Entry program eligibility or these CRS points. Officers still assess whether the offer is genuine. An LMIA may remain necessary for a work permit or another immigration purpose. Do not abandon an LMIA process without reviewing those separate needs.

IRCC says existing profiles will be recalculated, which may take up to two weeks, with invitation rounds paused during that process. Its guidance also gives temporary instructions for online job-offer fields that have not yet been updated. Follow the current official instructions; do not invent placeholder information.

Your occupation determines the tier

The high-wage tier follows IRCC’s National Occupational Classification list. It is based on wage data for the occupation, not an individual’s salary. A pay rise alone does not move a person into another tier. A NOC code must accurately reflect the work performed.

For example, software engineers and designers (21231), registered nurses (31301), elementary and kindergarten teachers (41221), dentists (31110) and pharmacists (31120) appear in the 1.5-times tier on the list checked for this article. They should not be treated as 2-times occupations. Check the full official list rather than relying on a job title or an example.

IRCC says that if the list changes after an invitation, the occupation level applying on the invitation date is retained. That does not remove the need to meet the other requirements.

Asylum: a changed process and important deadlines

The Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act became law on March 26, 2026. IRCC reports that changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations took effect on November 3, modernizing intake, screening and referral procedures. Read the announcement.

Under the new inland process described by IRCC, a person first indicates an intention to claim through the online portal, then formally makes the claim at an in-person appointment. For claims eligible for referral, IRCC describes a 60-day period to provide the completed application and documents, with a one-time 30-day extension on request. The backgrounder explains these steps, as well as withdrawal, reinstatement, support for vulnerable claimants and access to work permits.

Eligibility needs a separate review

IRCC identifies additional rules affecting claims made after June 2, 2025, including a one-year rule measured from first entry after June 24, 2020, and a rule concerning claims more than 14 days after entry between Canada–US border ports. Exceptions and other eligibility rules matter. Do not infer that filing within one of these periods automatically makes a claim eligible. Review IRCC’s eligibility explanation and obtain advice about the individual facts.

If you have an existing claim, a withdrawal or an approaching deadline, seek advice promptly. This summary does not establish the transition rules or filing deadline for your particular claim.

Haiti and Sudan work-permit renewals

Separate measures effective October 28, 2026 may allow eligible holders of work permits issued under specified earlier Haiti or Sudan policies to renew from within Canada, at standard fees. Conditions include a qualifying valid permit and valid temporary resident status; these are not general renewal rights for everyone from either country.

The measures are scheduled to expire December 30, 2027 and may be revoked earlier. Check the separate Haiti requirements or Sudan requirements before applying.

What to do now

1. Check your NOC and evidence. Match the actual duties and gather employment records, hours, offers and supporting documents.
2. Review the full immigration picture. Separate CRS points from program eligibility, work authorization and current status.
3. Check the portal instructions. Record the guidance relied on and recheck after system updates.
4. Protect deadlines. Asylum claimants should confirm the correct process and any transition rules before filing, withdrawing or waiting.

Our immigration team in London, Ontario can review how the changes affect your circumstances.

Official sources

• IRCC: 2026 Express Entry scoring and job-offer changes
• IRCC: Express Entry backgrounder
• IRCC: high-wage occupation list
• IRCC: asylum process and eligibility changes
• IRCC: asylum modernization backgrounder
• IRCC: Haiti renewal measures
• IRCC: Sudan renewal measures