Takes effect November 3, 2026
What IRCC is changing, and how the new points add up
–days to go
What changes on November 3
- New CRS points for a qualifying job offer, or for Canadian work experience, in an occupation whose median wage is at least 1.3 times the national average median wage.
- A qualifying job offer no longer needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to earn points. An LMIA also stops adding points or priority on its own.
- A temporary public policy removes LMIA requirements for job offers used to meet Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades eligibility, for candidates invited on or after November 3 who meet its conditions.
- The job offer can be for a new or existing position with any employer. An IRCC officer still decides whether it is genuine.
Rules that limit the points
- Work experience points and job offer points are not combined. If you qualify for both, you get whichever is higher.
- The labour market integration factor is capped at 150 points without an accompanying spouse or partner, and 140 with one.
- Canadian work experience generally has to be from the last 10 years, in Canada, in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation.
- A qualifying job offer must generally be full-time, continuous work for at least one year after you become a permanent resident. A revoked offer no longer counts.
- More points do not guarantee an invitation. Each draw still has its own cut-off score.
Points for a qualifying job offer
| Occupation wage level | CRS 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 |
Extra points for Canadian work experience
| At least 12 months in occupations at | Extra points |
|---|---|
| 2 times the median wage | +70 |
| 1.5 times the median or above (combined) | +40 |
| 1.3 times the median or above (combined) | +20 |
The extra points sit on top of the regular points for years of Canadian experience (up to 80 for 5 years), so Canadian work experience can reach 150 points in total.
How an officer checks a job offer
- The employer actively runs the business the offer is for.
- The offer matches the employer's reasonable staffing needs.
- The employer can meet the terms of the offer.
- You are qualified, able and likely to take the job.
- The employer has followed federal and provincial employment and recruitment laws.