Express Entry High-Wage Occupations List 2026: Eligible Jobs and CRS Points
Canada is introducing changes to its Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) from November 3, 2026. Under the new Labour Market Integration factor, eligible candidates may receive points for qualifying Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer in an eligible high-wage occupation.
If you are planning to apply for Canada permanent residence, understanding the high-wage occupations list can help you assess whether your work experience or job offer may qualify for additional CRS points.
1. What Is the Express Entry High-Wage Occupations List?
The list identifies occupations that meet specific wage thresholds under Canada's Express Entry system. Each occupation is assessed using its National Occupational Classification (NOC) code and median wage data across Canada.
An occupation is considered high-wage for this purpose when its median wage is at least 1.3 times the overall Canadian workforce's median wage.
Important: Eligibility is based on the occupation's Canadian median wage, not simply on your personal salary.
The official list is based on Canadian wage data from 2023 to 2025 and comes into effect on November 3, 2026.
2. Examples of Eligible High-Wage Occupations
The official list includes jobs across management, engineering, technology, health care, education, finance, skilled trades and other sectors.
Examples include:
Management and Business: Financial managers, human resources managers, purchasing managers, engineering managers and corporate sales managers.
Technology and Engineering: Software engineers, software developers, cybersecurity specialists, computer engineers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers and electrical engineers.
Health Care: Specialist physicians, general practitioners, veterinarians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and pharmacists.
Education and Research: University professors, secondary school teachers, statisticians, data scientists and selected policy researchers.
Skilled Trades and Infrastructure: Industrial electricians, power system electricians, elevator constructors, aircraft mechanics, heavy-duty equipment mechanics and certain construction supervisors.
These are examples, not a complete list. The precise NOC code and wage level must be checked on the official IRCC list.
3. How Many CRS Points Can a Qualifying Job Offer Provide?
Under the announced rules, a qualifying job offer in an eligible high-wage occupation may receive:
100 points: The occupation's median wage is at least twice the overall Canadian median wage.
70 points: The median wage is at least 1.5 times, but less than twice, the overall median wage.
50 points: The median wage is at least 1.3 times, but less than 1.5 times, the overall median wage.
0 points under this factor: The occupation does not meet the eligible high-wage thresholds.
A job offer must still meet the applicable Express Entry requirements and be assessed as genuine by IRCC.
4. Can Canadian Work Experience Also Earn Points?
Yes. Eligible candidates may receive CRS points based on the duration of their qualifying Canadian work experience. Additional points may be available when that experience is in eligible high-wage occupations.
However, under the new Labour Market Integration factor, candidates cannot combine points from Canadian work experience and a qualifying job offer. IRCC will award the option that gives the candidate the higher score.
The maximum under this factor is 150 points for candidates without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner and 140 points for candidates with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner.
5. Will an LMIA Be Required?
From November 3, 2026, an LMIA will no longer be required for a qualifying job offer to receive the new CRS points or meet the specified job offer requirements under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
However, this does not mean every job offer qualifies. IRCC will continue checking whether the offer is genuine, whether the employer can meet its terms, and whether the candidate is qualified to perform the work.
Having an LMIA will no longer provide extra CRS points or priority under these changes.
6. What Should Express Entry Applicants Do Now?
If you already have an Express Entry profile, review your occupation, Canadian work experience and job offer details.
Check the official high-wage occupations list and confirm your NOC code before assuming you qualify for additional points. Candidates who may qualify through a job offer should ensure that the required information is accurate in their profile before November 3, 2026.
IRCC plans to recalculate existing profiles when the changes take effect. This process may take up to two weeks, during which invitation rounds will be paused.
Conclusion
The Express Entry High-Wage Occupations List 2026 may be particularly relevant to skilled professionals and tradespeople seeking Canadian permanent residence. Eligible candidates may receive additional CRS points for qualifying Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer, depending on their circumstances.
Always check the official NOC code and wage level before making decisions about your application. Being on the list does not automatically guarantee an invitation or permanent residence.
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