Proposed Express Entry Changes: What the New High-Wage Occupation Factor Could Mean for You

Canada's Express Entry system continues to evolve.

In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) removed the additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points previously awarded for most arranged employment. Now, IRCC has proposed another significant change to how Express Entry candidates may be assessed: the introduction of a High-Wage Occupation Factor.

Although these changes have not yet been implemented, they signal a shift in how Canada may prioritize skilled workers in the future. Instead of rewarding applicants simply for having a qualifying job offer, the proposed framework would place greater emphasis on occupations that command higher wages in the Canadian labour market.

If adopted, these changes could significantly affect how some Express Entry candidates are ranked.

What Is the Proposed High-Wage Occupation Factor?

Under the proposal, additional CRS points would no longer depend solely on the existence of a qualifying job offer. Instead, occupations would be evaluated against official wage data published by the Government of Canada.

Using National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and Job Bank wage information, occupations earning above the national median wage would fall into different wage tiers. Candidates working in qualifying occupations could receive additional CRS points based on those thresholds.

Importantly, the proposal focuses on the wage level associated with the occupation itself, rather than simply the salary negotiated by an individual employee.

Examples of occupations currently expected to benefit include certain healthcare professionals, engineers, technology specialists, senior managers, and other highly compensated occupations.

Why Is IRCC Proposing This Change?

According to IRCC, the proposed changes are intended to better align Express Entry with Canada's economic and labour market needs.

The previous system awarded additional CRS points for many qualifying job offers. While that approach helped some employers recruit international talent, it also created opportunities for misuse through fraudulent or misleading job offers.

The proposed High-Wage Occupation Factor would instead prioritize occupations that demonstrate strong economic demand and above-average wages, while making it more difficult for applicants to gain a competitive advantage through questionable employment arrangements

How Can You Prepare?

While the proposed changes remain under consultation, there are several practical steps candidates can take now:

1. Confirm that your work experience has been classified under the correct NOC code.
2. Review whether your occupation may fall within one of the proposed high-wage categories.
3. Ensure your employment documentation accurately reflects your job duties and responsibilities.
4. Continue monitoring IRCC announcements for updates as the proposal develops.

Preparing for the Future of Express Entry

Although the proposed High-Wage Occupation Factor has not yet been implemented, it reflects IRCC's continued focus on attracting skilled workers who can contribute to Canada's economy. Understanding how these proposed changes may affect your Express Entry profile can help you make informed decisions about your immigration strategy.

If you're considering applying through Express Entry, our team can assess your profile, explain how the proposed changes may affect your eligibility, and help you prepare a strong application under the current rules while planning for future developments.

Hopefully this guide has helped you better understand the proposed High-Wage Occupation Factor and what it could mean for Express Entry applicants. If you have questions about your Express Entry profile or would like assistance with your immigration strategy, we'd be happy to help. Make sure to connect with us here.