New Labour Market Integration Points Explained: Canada Express Entry 2026
Canada is introducing a new Labour Market Integration factor in its Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) from November 3, 2026. The changes will affect how eligible candidates receive points for Canadian work experience and qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations.
If you are planning to apply for Canada permanent residence or already have an Express Entry profile, understanding these changes can help you prepare.
What Is the Labour Market Integration Factor?
The Labour Market Integration factor is a new component of the CRS. It will consider either your qualifying Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer in an eligible high-wage occupation.
IRCC will compare the points available under both options and award the option that gives you the higher score. You cannot combine points from both options under this factor.
1. Points for Canadian Work Experience
Eligible candidates may receive points based on how long they have worked in Canada. Additional points may be available if their qualifying Canadian work experience was gained in eligible high-wage occupations.
The work-length points remain based on qualifying Canadian work experience in eligible TEER 0, 1, 2 and 3 occupations.
For candidates without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, the work-length points are:
1 year: 40 points
2 years: 53 points
3 years: 64 points
4 years: 72 points
5 years or more: 80 points
For candidates with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, the corresponding maximum is 70 points.
2. Additional Points for High-Wage Work Experience
Candidates may receive additional points for at least 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in eligible high-wage occupations.
The additional points depend on the occupation's median wage level:
70 points for eligible occupations with a median wage at least twice the overall Canadian median wage.
40 points for eligible occupations with a median wage at least 1.5 times, but less than twice, the overall median wage.
20 points for eligible occupations with a median wage at least 1.3 times, but less than 1.5 times, the overall median wage.
0 additional points if the candidate does not meet the qualifying requirements.
The work experience can be full-time or an equivalent amount of part-time work and may be combined across eligible high-wage occupations, subject to IRCC requirements.
3. Points for Qualifying Job Offers
Candidates with qualifying job offers in eligible high-wage occupations may receive:
100 points for occupations at least twice the overall median wage.
70 points for occupations at least 1.5 times, but less than twice, the overall median wage.
50 points for occupations at least 1.3 times, but less than 1.5 times, the overall median wage.
0 points under this factor for occupations outside the eligible high-wage levels.
A qualifying job offer must meet IRCC's requirements and generally be for full-time, continuous work in Canada for at least one year after the candidate becomes a permanent resident. Specific rules apply to certain occupations.
4. What Is a High-Wage Occupation?
For Express Entry, a high-wage occupation is determined using the occupation's median wage across Canada and its National Occupational Classification (NOC) code.
It is not based simply on the salary an individual applicant currently earns.
IRCC maintains an official list of eligible occupations grouped into wage levels. Candidates should check this list before assuming their work experience or job offer qualifies.
5. How Will LMIA Requirements Change?
From November 3, 2026, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (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.
Having an LMIA will not provide additional CRS points or give a profile priority.
However, job offers must still be genuine and meet IRCC requirements. Removing the LMIA requirement does not mean every job offer will qualify.
6. What Is the Maximum Score Under This Factor?
The maximum available under the Labour Market Integration factor is:
Without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner: 150 points.
With an accompanying spouse or common-law partner: 140 points.
The total depends on the candidate's qualifying work experience or job offer. Candidates who qualify under both options receive whichever option provides the higher score.
7. What Should Existing Express Entry Applicants Do?
If you already have an Express Entry profile, review your work experience and job offer details before November 3, 2026.
IRCC plans to recalculate existing profiles when the changes take effect. The process may take up to two weeks, and invitation rounds will be paused during recalculation.
If you have a valid job offer that is not included in your profile, check the official instructions and update the required information before the changes take effect.
Conclusion
The new Labour Market Integration factor will change how eligible candidates receive CRS points for Canadian work experience and qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations.
The best option will depend on your individual circumstances, occupation and work history. Review your profile, verify the official eligibility criteria and keep up with IRCC announcements before making immigration decisions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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When will the Labour Market Integration factor take effect?+−
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