Express Entry High-Wage Points 2026

Points for Canadian Work Experience in a High-Wage Occupation

The backgrounder states: "Candidates with at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation may receive additional CRS points based on the wage level of their occupation." (IRCC backgrounder)

The backgrounder continues: "These points are in addition to a candidate's CRS score based on the duration of their eligible Canadian work experience, up to a maximum of 80 points for 5 years." It adds: "Combined, candidates with eligible Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation could receive up to 150 points for Canadian work experience." (IRCC backgrounder)

Points for a Qualifying Job Offer in a High-Wage Occupation

The backgrounder states: "Candidates with a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation may receive:" (IRCC backgrounder)

On candidates who have both, the backgrounder states: "Candidates who qualify under both will receive whichever option provides more points. The points for Canadian work experience and a job offer will not be combined." (IRCC backgrounder)

Which Occupations Are High-Wage

IRCC defines the term: "Under Express Entry, a job is considered a high-wage occupation if the median wage of all people in Canada performing that job is at least 1.3 times higher than the average median wage of the overall Canadian work force." The same page states: "It is not determined based on a person’s specific job position or salary." (IRCC: High-wage occupations)

"High-wage occupations are grouped into 3 levels using NOC codes where the median wage is at least:"

• "twice the average median wage"
• "1.5 times, but less than twice, the average median wage"
• "1.3 times, but less than 1.5 times, the average median wage"

(IRCC: High-wage occupations)

IRCC's list "Comes into effect on November 3, 2026", and "The list is currently based on data from 2023 to 2025." IRCC also states: "If the high-wage occupation list changes after we issue an Invitation to Apply (ITA), we’ll keep using the level that applied on the date we invited you." (IRCC: High-wage occupations)

Find your NOC code on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage occupations list.

Examples From IRCC's List

These rows are copied from IRCC's list. They are examples only; the full list is on IRCC's page.

(IRCC: Express Entry high-wage occupations list)

Job Offers Without an LMIA

IRCC's job offer page states: "Valid job offers to meet eligibility criteria can continue to be in either a non-high-wage or high-wage occupation, but an LMIA will no longer be required for these job offers." (IRCC: Job offers under Express Entry)

For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the same page states: "If you don’t have a valid job offer, you’ll need to provide proof of funds to be approved. A valid job offer has to be:"

• "from 1 employer"
• "continuous"
• "paid"
• "full-time (at least 30 hours a week)"
• "not seasonal"
• "for at least 1 year if you’re accepted as a permanent resident"
• "in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3"

(IRCC: Job offers under Express Entry)

The job offer page also sets out requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the other Express Entry programs.

Candidates Already in the Express Entry Pool

The news release states: "Candidates already in the Express Entry pool will have their Comprehensive Ranking System scores automatically recalculated under the new points system, which will include points for eligible Canadian work experience." It adds: "However, candidates who wish to receive points for a qualifying job offer must update their profiles with the required information before November 3." (IRCC news release)

On timing, the release states: "The recalculation process may take up to two weeks, during which invitation rounds will be paused." (IRCC news release) IRCC publishes each round on its rounds of invitations page.

How to Update Your Profile if You Have a Job Offer Without an LMIA

IRCC's job offer page states: "As of November 3, 2026, while our requirements will have changed, our online system will not yet reflect that change." "In your profile you will still be required to select that you have a positive LMIA, even though you don't need one." "In your profile, under "Work history", include that you have a job offer with the following details:" (IRCC: Job offers under Express Entry)

For a new job offer, IRCC states: "If you have a new job offer (offer of arranged employment), you need to update your Express Entry profile in your IRCC secure account with the:"

• "start date"
• "employer name and address"
• "labour market impact assessment (LMIA) number (if you have one)"
• "National Occupational Classification (NOC) code related to the job"

IRCC also states: "If you have a job offer that isn't included in your profile, you should update it before November 3, 2026." (IRCC: Job offers under Express Entry)

Next Steps

1. Find your NOC code on the list

   Look up the NOC code of your Canadian work experience and of any job offer on IRCC's high-wage occupations list, and note the level it is listed under.

2. Check your work history

   Check that the work experience and NOC codes in your Express Entry profile are accurate.

3. Add a qualifying job offer

   Follow IRCC's profile instructions and table in the section above, as set out on IRCC's job offer page.

4. Have your profile reviewed

   If you would like an RCIC to review your profile, book a consultation.