Canada is considering a significant shift in the way candidates are chosen through the Express Entry system, with a new emphasis on high-paying occupations.

According to a proposal from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, individuals employed in higher-wage positions may receive extra points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). These points would be determined based on the typical earnings of an occupation in comparison to the national median wage, rather than an individual’s specific salary.

The plan outlines three tiers of high-wage occupations:

• Jobs earning approximately twice the national median wage
• Jobs earning around 1.5 times the median
• Jobs earning roughly 1.3 times the median

Examples of professions that could fall into these categories include doctors, engineers, IT specialists, educators, and financial analysts. The final list is pending confirmation and will be informed by national labor market statistics.

Another significant aspect of the proposal is the potential reintroduction of points for job offers, but exclusively for roles classified as high-wage. This would signify a departure from previous systems where job offers held a more general significance.

The rationale behind this adjustment is linked to economic outcomes. Data indicates that immigrants with higher pre-arrival earnings are more likely to secure steady employment and achieve higher incomes post-arrival. The government aims to better align immigration selection with labor market demands and sustained economic prosperity.

These proposed modifications are currently under review. Public input is being gathered until May 24, 2026, and final determinations are pending. If sanctioned, the revisions could be implemented within the next 12 to 18 months, with certain elements potentially introduced sooner.