CRS Max Is Now 1,270: What Changed on 3 November 2026

Canada's Express Entry points system changed on 3 November 2026. The maximum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is now 1,270 — up from 1,200. If you are in the Express Entry pool, your score has already changed, whether you did anything or not.

The change is the new Labour Market Integration factor, announced 16 October 2026 and in effect from 3 November 2026. It gives up to 150 points (140 with a spouse or partner) for high-wage Canadian work experience or a qualifying high-wage job offer — whichever is higher. You never score for both.

How the points work

High-wage Canadian work experience (12 months or more): +70 points at twice the national median wage, +40 at 1.5×, +20 at 1.3×. High-wage job offer: 100 / 70 / 50 points at the same three wage tiers. Only 186 occupations are on IRCC's high-wage list. Check your NOC against that list before assuming you gained points — most occupations do not score.

The other big change: you no longer need an LMIA for an Express Entry job offer — for CRS points, or for Federal Skilled Worker / Federal Skilled Trades eligibility, for candidates invited on or after 3 November 2026. An LMIA adds nothing now. IRCC still checks that the offer is genuine.

What has not changed: this changes points, not eligibility. And there is no new cut-off yet. IRCC paused all draws from 3 November while it recalculates every CRS profile under the new rules, so no Express Entry draw has been held since 28 October 2026. The cut-offs after 3 November will tell us the real effect — do not rely on predicted cut-offs circulating online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did my CRS score go up?

Only if you have high-wage Canadian work experience or a high-wage job offer in one of the 186 listed occupations. Check your NOC and wage tier first.

Do I still need an LMIA for Express Entry?

No — not for CRS points or FSW/FST eligibility for invitations on or after 3 November 2026.

When will draws resume?

IRCC has not confirmed a date. Draws are paused while profiles are recalculated.

Not sure where your score stands now? DM "CRS" on Instagram @psimmigration or call PS Immigration Consultancy — Pardeep Kumar Sharma, RCIC (Licence No. R710891) — +1 647-326-9562, 10 George St N, Suite 176, Brampton, ON. General information only; eligibility depends on your profile and IRCC decides.