Canada's Express Entry Changes on Nov. 3: What You Need to Know

While the US tightens its borders, Canada is changing how it ranks skilled workers hoping to settle there. From November 3, eligible workers will be able to earn extra Express Entry points based on their Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the changes are intended to better match immigration with Canada's labour market needs and reduce paperwork for employers and applicants.

The new rules will also remove the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement for qualifying job offers to earn CRS points or meet job-offer requirements under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs.

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What is changing in Canada's Express Entry system?

Under the revised system, candidates can earn additional CRS points through either eligible Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation or a qualifying job offer in one. Those who qualify through both routes will receive whichever option gives them the higher score.

Previously, certain job offers needed a positive LMIA to qualify for additional CRS points or meet the relevant federal skilled immigration program requirements, but beginning next month, an LMIA will no longer be required for qualifying job offers to earn the new points or meet the relevant job-offer requirements under the two federal programs.

According to the department, removing the requirement will make the process more efficient for employers and candidates while maintaining checks against fraud and misrepresentation.

How many additional CRS points can workers earn?

The number of additional points available depends on the route a candidate qualifies through and how the occupation's wage compares with the official median for its National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. The assessment uses the occupation's wage benchmark rather than an individual's salary alone.

Points for Canadian work experience

Candidates with at least 12 months of eligible Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation may qualify for additional points based on the occupation's wage level:

• 70 additional points for at least 12 months of work experience in one or more occupations where the wage is at least twice the occupational median.
• 40 additional points for at least 12 months of combined experience in occupations paying at least 1.5 times the median, provided the candidate does not qualify for 70 points.
• 20 additional points for at least 12 months of combined experience in eligible occupations paying at least 1.3 times the median, provided the candidate does not qualify for 40 or 70 points.

These points are added to the CRS points candidates already receive for the duration of their eligible Canadian work experience. Under the existing system, that experience can contribute up to 80 points for five years of work, depending on the applicable scoring rules.

With the new additions, candidates could receive up to 150 points for Canadian work experience. Those whose employment does not meet the high-wage thresholds will continue to receive the standard points for their eligible Canadian work experience.

Generally, the experience must have been acquired in Canada within the previous 10 years in an occupation classified under TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the NOC. Specific provisions also apply to certain physicians providing publicly funded medical services.

Points for a qualifying job offer

Workers with qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations can receive additional points according to the offered occupation's wage level: