Express Entry points change as job-offer rules drop LMIA requirement

Canada changed how Express Entry candidates receive ranking points on November 3, introducing a Labour Market Integration factor and removing the Labour Market Impact Assessment requirement from qualifying job offers.

The new factor awards points for either Canadian work experience—with extra points for high-wage experience—or a qualifying high-wage job offer. Candidates cannot add both components together. A job offer also no longer receives the former Comprehensive Ranking System bonus.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says existing profiles will be recalculated over a period of up to two weeks and Express Entry invitation rounds are paused during that work. Candidates should review their profile after recalculation rather than assume their previous score still applies.

Although an LMIA is no longer required for the new points factor, officers will continue to assess whether an offer is genuine. Job offers may also remain relevant to eligibility for particular immigration programs.

Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, “Changes to Express Entry” (effective November 3, 2026).

Illustrative stock photo: Scott Graham / Unsplash (Unsplash Licence). The image does not show an Express Entry application. Cropped/resized by WordPress.