Express Entry's New Rules Take Effect Today: What Changed on November 3, 2026
As of today, November 3, 2026, Express Entry's new Labour Market Integration factor is in effect, and job offers no longer need an LMIA. IRCC is now recalculating every profile and has paused invitation rounds, which it estimates could take up to two weeks. One thing hasn't caught up: IRCC's online profile system still asks you to enter placeholder LMIA details (00000) for a job offer.
What's now in effect
- New Labour Market Integration factor (up to 150 points): points for Canadian work experience, with a bonus of 20, 40 or 70 for 12+ months in a high-wage occupation, or 50, 70 or 100 for a qualifying high-wage job offer, whichever is higher.
- No LMIA needed for a job offer to earn points or to meet the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades job-offer requirement. A temporary public policy covers candidates invited on or after November 3.
- Having an LMIA no longer adds points or gives priority.
- The high-wage occupations list now applies, based on each occupation's national median wage.
What hasn't caught up yet
IRCC updated its job offer page today, but says its online system doesn't yet reflect the change. If you're adding a job offer to your profile, you still need to answer Yes to the LMIA question and enter IRCC's placeholders: LMIA number 00000, issued 2026-01-01, expiring 2029-01-01. IRCC hasn't said when this will change. Our step-by-step guide walks through it.
The recalculation and pause
- IRCC is re-scoring every profile in the pool under the new rules.
- Invitation rounds are paused until it's done. IRCC's estimate is up to two weeks, and it hasn't announced a restart date.
- You don't need to do anything: your new score will appear in your account when the recalculation is complete.
The last draws before the pause were on October 26 to 28. See our October 27 and 28 draw breakdown.
What IRCC will check on job offers
Without an LMIA, officers assess whether each job offer is genuine when you apply for permanent residence. IRCC says they'll look at whether:
- The employer is actively engaged in its business.
- The offer reflects the employer's reasonable employment needs.
- The employer can reasonably meet the offer's terms.
- You're qualified, able to do the work, and likely to accept and do it.
- The employer has followed federal and provincial employment and recruitment laws.
A revoked job offer no longer qualifies, and IRCC says it will keep checking for fraud and misrepresentation.
What to do now
- Check your occupation on the high-wage list.
- Add any genuine job offer to your profile if you haven't yet, using the placeholder entries.
- Watch your account for your recalculated score.
- If you already have an ITA, keep going: your application is assessed under the rules on the day you were invited. See what to do after an ITA.
- Keep documents valid so you're ready when draws resume.
Mistakes to avoid this week
- Leaving the LMIA question at "No" for a qualifying job offer. Until the system is updated, IRCC's instructions say to answer Yes with the placeholders.
- Entering a job offer you can't document. Officers will check that it's genuine.
- Assuming draws restart on a set date. IRCC hasn't announced one.
Every situation is different. GLC Immigration Consulting can help in three ways:
- Consultation: a one-on-one session with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, to review your situation and your options.
- Full representation: we prepare and submit your application and act as your authorized representative with IRCC, from start to finish.
- Pre-submission review: you prepare your own application, and we review it for errors, gaps and risks before you submit.
To request full representation or a pre-submission review, or for any other question, email us at hello@gradlifecanada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
Are the new Express Entry rules in effect?
Yes. The Labour Market Integration factor and the removal of the LMIA requirement for qualifying job offers took effect on November 3, 2026.
Do I still enter an LMIA number for my job offer?
For now, yes. IRCC's online system doesn't yet reflect the change, so you answer Yes to the LMIA question and enter the placeholder number 00000, with issue date 2026-01-01 and expiry date 2029-01-01.
When will Express Entry draws resume?
IRCC estimates the recalculation could take up to two weeks and says rounds will restart once it's done. It hasn't announced a date.
Will I be notified of my new CRS score?
Your recalculated score will appear in your IRCC account once the recalculation is complete.
Does the change affect my existing ITA?
No. Your application is assessed under the rules in place on the day you were invited.
Fact-checked: Based on IRCC's 2026 Express Entry changes page, the backgrounder on changes for high-wage occupations and the Express Entry: Job offer page (updated November 3, 2026). Verified November 3, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
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