Canada is considering a major change to how candidates are selected through Express Entry, with a new focus on high-paying occupations.
Under the proposal from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, candidates working in higher-wage jobs could receive additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). These points would be based on how much an occupation typically earns compared to the national median wage, not on an individual’s actual salary.
The plan introduces three tiers of high-wage occupations:
- Jobs earning about 2 times the national median wage
- Jobs earning about 1.5 times the median
- Jobs earning about 1.3 times the median
Examples of roles that may fall into these categories include physicians, engineers, software specialists, teachers, and financial analysts. The final list has not been confirmed and will be based on national labour market data.
Another key part of the proposal is the potential return of job offer points, but only for positions considered high-wage. This would mark a shift from previous systems where job offers played a broader role.
The reason behind this change is tied to economic outcomes. Data shows that immigrants with higher earnings before arriving in Canada are more likely to find stable employment and earn more after landing. The government is aiming to better align immigration selection with labour market needs and long-term economic success.
These changes are still in the proposal stage. Public feedback is being collected until May 24, 2026, and final decisions have not yet been announced. If approved, the updates could take effect within the next 12 to 18 months, although some elements may be introduced sooner.
