How to raise your CRS score after the November 3, 2026 changes

What changed on November 3, 2026

IRCC now scores Express Entry candidates out of 1,270 points. A new Labour Market Integration factor replaced the old Canadian work experience line: it can award up to 150 points without a spouse or 140 with a spouse. Job offers count again as high-wage job offers, and IRCC removed the LMIA and LMIA-exemption requirements for Express Entry job offers. IRCC said existing profiles would be recalculated automatically, which could take up to two weeks, with invitation rounds paused during that time.

Canadian experience or a high-wage job offer, not both

Under Labour Market Integration, IRCC gives points for either Canadian work experience or a high-wage job offer, not both. A job in a high-wage occupation at 1.3 times the median wage gives 50 points, 1.5 times gives 70 and twice the median gives 100; a job that is not in a high-wage occupation gives 0. Experience in a high-wage occupation can add further points on the experience side. IRCC decides which occupations are high-wage, so check its list rather than your own pay, and compare both routes in the calculator.

Language is still the largest lever you control

First official language can give up to 136 points without a spouse (128 with one), scored for each of the four abilities. The step from CLB 9 to CLB 10 in each ability is worth a few more points, and CLB 7 and CLB 9 also unlock skill-transferability points when combined with education or foreign work experience. IRCC requires language results less than two years old for every Express Entry program, so plan any retest around that date.

Additional points that do not depend on age

A provincial or territorial nomination adds 600 points. French can add 25 points (NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills with CLB 4 or lower in English, or no English test) or 50 points (NCLC 7 in French plus CLB 5 or higher in all four English skills). A post-secondary credential from Canada adds 15 points for one or two years of study and 30 for three years or more; IRCC notes that distance learning does not count for these bonus points. A brother or sister in Canada aged 18 or older who is a citizen or permanent resident adds 15.

Your spouse’s factors, and how to use the calculator

If your spouse or partner comes with you, their education (up to 10), first-language results (up to 5 per ability, 20 in total) and Canadian work experience (up to 10) add up to 40 points, while your own core maximum drops from 570 to 530. Run the calculator both ways if your spouse could be the principal applicant. Save each scenario with the date, because a later rule change or an expiring test result changes the arithmetic. The calculator shows points only; it does not predict invitations.

Compare these changes side by side in the ImmiScore scenario tool →