The Labour Market Integration Factors (LMIF) is a part of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Express Entry. LMIF includes points for either Canadian work experience or a qualifying Canadian job offer.
The Labour Market Integration Factors (LMIF) is a new component of the CRS scoring system. The LMIF is in effect as of November 3, 2026.
In Express Entry, all candidates are given a score using the Comprehensive Ranking System. During Express Entry draws, these scores are used to rank candidates and determine who will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
The Labour Market Integration Factors include potential points for Canadian work experience and Canadian job offers. However, candidates may only receive points for one of these two factors. If a candidate is eligible to receive points for both Canadian work experience and a Canadian job offer, the system will automatically choose whichever earns them more points.
| Labour Market Integration Factors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Score options | Points with a spouse or common-law partner | Points without a spouse or common-law partner |
| Canadian work experience | 140 points: - 70 for work length - 70 for high-wage experience | 150 points: - 80 for work length - 70 for high-wage experience |
| Qualifying job offer | 100 points | 100 points |
| *Can only claim points for work experience OR job offer; NOT both | ||
Candidates can receive up to 150 points under the Labour Market Integration Factors.
In this article, we break down the different points available.
Pro-tip: Want to get an estimate of your score? Use the free Moving2Canada CRS score calculator!
Express Entry Points for Canadian Work Experience
Under the Labour Market Integration Factors, candidates can receive points for Canadian work experience based on two criteria: the length of their Canadian work experience and whether that experience was gained in an eligible high-wage occupation.
Points for Length of Canadian Work Experience
These points aren’t new. Canadian work experience has always been a part of the CRS scoring system, but these points were previously included under the Core Factors or Human Capital Factors.
The number of points available depends on how many years of eligible Canadian work experience you have, and whether you have an accompanying spouse or common-law partner.
To qualify, your Canadian work experience must meet the existing Express Entry requirements, including being in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
The maximum number of points available for length of Canadian work experience is 70 for candidates with an accompanying spouse or partner, and 80 for candidates without one.
Number of years Single candidate With an accompanying spouse/partner
Less than 1 0 points 0 points
1 year 40 35
2 years 53 46
3 years 64 56
4 years 72 63
5 years or more 80 70
| Number of years | Single candidate | With an accompanying spouse/partner |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 0 points | 0 points |
| 1 year | 40 | 35 |
| 2 years | 53 | 46 |
| 3 years | 64 | 56 |
| 4 years | 72 | 63 |
| 5 years or more | 80 | 70 |
Additional Points for High-Wage Canadian Work Experience
Candidates who have Canadian work experience in certain high-wage occupations can receive up to 70 additional CRS points.
IRCC defines high-wage occupations based on the median wage for each National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. An occupation is considered high-wage if its median wage is at least 1.3 times the average median wage of Canadian workers.
Importantly, these points are based on your occupation’s NOC code, not your individual salary. Even if you earn a high salary, you won’t qualify for these additional points unless your occupation appears on IRCC’s list of eligible NOC codes.
There are three levels of high-wage occupations, with different points available for each.
| Qualifying Canadian work experience | Points |
|---|---|
| At least 12 months in one or more high-wage occupations with median wages at least twice the average median wage | 70 |
| If not eligible for the 70 points, at least 12 months combined in one or more high-wage occupations with median wages at least 1.5 times the average median wage | 40 |
| if not eligible for the 40 points, at least 12 months combined in one or more high-wage occupations with median wages at least 1.3 times the average median wage | 20 |
| Less than 12 months of qualifying experience in high-wage occupations | 0 |
To qualify for these additional points, you must have at least 12 months (1,560 hours) of eligible Canadian work experience in one or more occupations within the relevant high-wage category.
This experience does not need to be continuous and can include a combination of full-time and part-time work, or work across multiple eligible occupations. However, IRCC will only count a maximum of 30 hours per week.
Eligible High-Wage Occupations
NOCs with median wages at least twice the average median wage
NOCs with median wages at least 1.5 times the average median wage
NOCs with median wages at least 1.3 times the average median wage
The additional high-wage occupation points are awarded on top of the points you receive for the length of your Canadian work experience.
For example, a candidate without an accompanying spouse who has five years of Canadian work experience, including at least one year in an occupation eligible for the highest level of high-wage points, could receive 150 points in total.
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Express Entry Points for High-Wage Job Offers
As of November 3, 2026, Express Entry candidates with qualifying Canadian job offers will once again be eligible to receive additional CRS points.
However, not all Canadian job offers will qualify. To receive points, the job offer must be for an occupation included on IRCC’s list of eligible high-wage occupations.
There are three levels of points available, depending on the occupation.
| Job offer category | Points |
|---|---|
| A job in a high-wage occupation with at least twice the average median wage | 100 |
| A job in a high-wage occupation with at least 1.5 times, but less than twice, the average median wage | 70 |
| A job in a high-wage occupation with at least 1.3 times, but less than 1.5 times, the average median wage | 50 |
| A job that is not in a high-wage occupation | 0 |
The maximum number of CRS points available for a qualifying job offer is 100. The NOCs listed above indicate which occupations are eligible for each level of points.
What Are the Requirements for a Qualifying Job Offer?
One of the biggest changes to Express Entry in November 2026 is that candidates no longer need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for a job offer to qualify for CRS points.
When Express Entry previously offered points for job offers, an LMIA was required for most job offers. Under the new rules, an LMIA will not be required, and having one will not provide any additional CRS points or give a candidate priority.
Job offers can also be for new or existing positions, and can come from either a candidate’s current employer or a new employer.
However, the job offer must still meet IRCC’s requirements for a valid offer of employment. Immigration officers will assess whether the offer is genuine, including whether the employer is actively operating, can fulfill the terms of the offer, and is complying with employment laws.
Officers will also consider whether the candidate is qualified to perform the work and is likely to accept the position.
FAQ: Express Entry’s Labour Market Integration Factors
What if I have both Canadian work experience and a Canadian job offer?
You can only receive LMIF points for either Canadian work experience or a qualifying Canadian job offer, not both.
If you are eligible for points under both categories, the Express Entry system will automatically calculate which factor gives you the higher score and award those points.
Is it worth it to get a job offer if I already have Canadian work experience?
It depends on how many points you qualify for under each factor. A qualifying Canadian job offer can earn you up to 100 CRS points, while Canadian work experience can earn you up to 150 points.
If you already qualify for more than 100 points through your Canadian work experience, getting a qualifying job offer won’t increase your LMIF score.
However, a job offer could still be beneficial if you currently have fewer points through Canadian work experience, particularly if the offer is in an occupation eligible for 70 or 100 points.
Want more details? Check out our complete guide on whether a job offer is worthwhile if you already have Canadian experience.
If I’m outside Canada, can I get points for a Canadian job offer?
Yes. You do not need to already be living or working in Canada to qualify for CRS points through a Canadian job offer. However, the offer must meet IRCC’s requirements for a valid job offer and must be for an occupation included on the eligible high-wage occupation list.
You can receive up to 100 points for a qualifying job offer, even if you’ve never worked in Canada.
