Since November 3, 2026, a valid job offer in an eligible high-wage occupation earns 50, 70 or 100 CRS points, depending on the occupation's wage level. No LMIA is required, and having one gives no extra points or priority. Job offers outside the high-wage list earn no CRS points, but can still count toward Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades eligibility.
The points table
| Job offer in | CRS points |
|---|---|
| A high-wage occupation with a median wage at least twice the average median wage | 100 |
| A high-wage occupation at least 1.5 times, but less than twice, the average median wage | 70 |
| A high-wage occupation at least 1.3 times, but less than 1.5 times, the average median wage | 50 |
| An occupation not on the high-wage list | 0 |
IRCC defines a high-wage occupation by the median wage of everyone in Canada working in that NOC compared with the average median wage of the whole workforce — not by the pay in your specific job offer.
Job offer or Canadian work — not both
Job offer points sit inside the new Labour Market Integration factor, which has a maximum of 150 points. IRCC compares your Canadian work experience points (work-length plus high-wage experience points) with your job offer points and gives you whichever is higher. See the November 2026 CRS changes for the full factor.
| Option | With spouse | Without spouse |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian work experience (work-length + high-wage) | up to 140 | up to 150 |
| Qualifying job offer | up to 100 | up to 100 |
What changed about job offers
As of November 3, 2026, IRCC says:
- you don't need an LMIA for a job offer to qualify for program eligibility or CRS points;
- an LMIA won't give you more CRS points or priority;
- the offer can be for an existing or a new position, with an existing or a new employer;
- officers still assess whether the offer is genuine.
Basic requirements
IRCC says a job offer must be recent, in writing, not from an embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada, for at least 1 year once you become a permanent resident, and must set out details such as pay and deductions, duties and conditions like hours of work. It must also meet the rules of the program you qualify for.
The genuineness assessment
An officer reviews the job offer when you apply for permanent residence and must be satisfied it's genuine before it can be used for eligibility or Labour Market Integration points. IRCC lists what it checks:
| About the employer | About you |
|---|---|
| Is active in the business | Are qualified and able to perform the work |
| Can fulfill the terms of the offer | Are likely to accept the offer and carry out the job |
| Made an offer that meets its needs | Will be able to become licensed or certified, if the occupation is regulated (FSW page) |
| Is following employment and recruitment laws |
Program eligibility is assessed separately
IRCC stresses that the rules for CRS job offer points differ from the rules that make you eligible for a program:
- Federal Skilled Worker: a valid offer must be from 1 employer, continuous, paid, full-time (at least 30 hours a week), not seasonal, for at least 1 year, in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, and genuine. It earns FSW selection-factor points and removes the need for proof of funds if you're authorized to work in Canada.
- Federal Skilled Trades: a valid offer (or a certificate of qualification) is required. It can come from up to 2 employers and must be in an eligible trade NOC group.
- Canadian Experience Class: no job offer is needed.
- PNP: some streams need one.
So an offer can qualify you for FSW or FST without earning any CRS job offer points, if the occupation isn't on the high-wage list. IRCC says to keep any job offer in your profile so you stay eligible for these programs.
Updating your profile
IRCC says its online system doesn't yet reflect the change and still asks about an LMIA. Its job offer and changes pages give specific placeholder values to enter under "Work history" for an offer without an LMIA. Follow those instructions exactly as written on IRCC's job offer page. IRCC also said it would recalculate existing profiles, which could take up to two weeks, with invitation rounds paused in the meantime.
Estimate how an offer compares with your Canadian work points in the CRS calculator.
Sources: IRCC — 2026 changes to points for Canadian work experience and job offers, IRCC — Job offer (Express Entry), IRCC — CRS criteria, IRCC — Federal Skilled Worker Program.
For how LMIAs work outside Express Entry — fees, wage thresholds and advertising — see LMIA explained.