Starting November 3, 2026, Express Entry candidates with a qualifying job offer or Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation can earn extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. Which occupations qualify? IRCC has published an official list of 186 National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, grouped by how far their median wage sits above the benchmark.

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This guide puts the full list in one place so you can find your occupation quickly.

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Quick answer: how the points work

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The higher your occupation’s wage tier, the more points you can earn.

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Qualifying job offer

• 2x tier: 100 points
• 1.5x tier: 70 points
• 1.3x tier: 50 points

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Canadian work experience (at least 12 months in a high-wage occupation)

• 2x tier: 70 points
• 1.5x tier: 40 points
• 1.3x tier: 20 points

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Candidates who qualify under both receive whichever is higher, not both added together. A job offer no longer needs an LMIA to earn these points. For the full breakdown, read our article on the Express Entry changes taking effect November 3.

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How the list is built

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IRCC sorts occupations into tiers by comparing each occupation’s median wage with the benchmark median wage. The current list is based on data from 2023 to 2025. IRCC uses labour market information from sources such as Job Bank, the Labour Force Survey, and the Census of Population.

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Your occupation is determined by the main duties in your job offer or work experience, not by your job title. Always match your duties to the NOC description.

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2x tier: occupations at least twice the median wage (31 NOC codes

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1.5x tier: at least 1.5 times, but less than 2 times, the median wage (89 NOC codes)

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1.3x tier: at least 1.3 times, but less than 1.5 times, the median wage (66 NOC codes)

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What to do if your occupation is on the list

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1. Confirm your NOC code by comparing your actual duties with the NOC description.

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2. Check your Canadian work experience. You need at least 12 months of eligible experience in a listed occupation. Experience generally must be from the past 10 years in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. If you’re already in the Express Entry pool, your score will be recalculated automatically.

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3. If you have a job offer, update your Express Entry profile before November 3 with the required details. A qualifying offer must generally be full-time and continuous for at least one year after you become a permanent resident, and IRCC will check that it’s genuine.

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Frequently asked questions

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How many occupations are on the high-wage list?
186 NOC codes: 31 in the 2x tier, 89 in the 1.5x tier, and 66 in the 1.3x tier.

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When does the list take effect?
November 3, 2026.

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What if my job isn’t on the list?
You can still enter Express Entry and keep your regular CRS points, including points for the length of your Canadian work experience. The list only controls the extra high-wage points.

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Can the list change?
Yes. IRCC updates it as wage data changes. If you receive an invitation to apply, IRCC assesses you against the list in effect on the date of your invitation.

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Do extra points guarantee an invitation?
No. Invitations depend on each round’s cut-off score.

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Do I need an LMIA for these job offer points?
No. A qualifying job offer no longer needs an LMIA to earn the new points.

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Not sure whether your job qualifies?

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NOC classification can be tricky, and a small difference in duties can change the result. Book a consultation with Le Immigration Group to review your NOC code, score and options before November 3.

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This article is general information, not legal or immigration advice. The list may change, so confirm details on IRCC’s official page or with a licensed immigration professional.