On October 16, 2026, IRCC published details of upcoming Express Entry changes, including a new 70-point tier for eligible Canadian work experience in occupations classified at least twice the national median wage. The changes are scheduled to take effect November 3. www.canada.ca
This guide covers the NOC codes in the 2Ă— group, how IRCC counts work hours and what candidates should check before estimating their CRS score.
Which NOC codes are in the 2Ă— group?
IRCC’s high-wage occupation list, effective November 3, 2026, includes these NOC codes in the 2×-or-higher group: www.canada.ca
| High-wage level | NOC codes |
|---|---|
| 2Ă— or higher | 00011, 00012, 00013, 10010, 10011, 10012, 10020, 10021, 20010, 20011, 20012, 21330, 21332, 31100, 31101, 31102, 31103, 31302, 31303, 40010, 40011, 40012, 40019, 40040, 40041, 41100, 41101, 41200, 60010, 80010, 90011 |
Your NOC should match the work you actually performed. A code’s appearance on IRCC’s list does not by itself establish eligibility for the points.
What does it take to qualify for 70 points?
You need at least 12 months or 1,560 hours of qualifying Canadian work experience in one or more eligible occupations in the 2Ă—-or-higher group.
The experience can be continuous or non-continuous, full-time or an equivalent amount of part-time work, and combined across eligible jobs. If you worked multiple jobs at the same time, IRCC counts no more than 30 hours per week. Your experience must also meet IRCC’s existing requirements for qualifying Canadian work experience. www.canada.ca
How do the 70 points affect your CRS score?
The 70 high-wage points are additional to the CRS points awarded for the length of your eligible Canadian work experience. Under IRCC’s Labour Market Integration factor, the maximum is 140 points for candidates with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, and 150 points for candidates without one.
You cannot receive points through both the Canadian work-experience and qualifying job-offer options under this factor. IRCC compares the two and awards the option that gives you the higher score. www.canada.ca
FAQ
How many hours of Canadian work experience are needed for 70 CRS points?
You need at least 1,560 hours, equal to 12 months of qualifying work experience.
Does earning twice the national median wage qualify me?
No. IRCC classifies occupations using national wage data for each NOC, rather than an individual worker’s salary.
Can I combine experience from more than one eligible NOC?
Yes. IRCC allows qualifying experience to be combined across eligible high-wage jobs. For overlapping jobs, only up to 30 hours per week count.
Can I receive the 70 work-experience points and job-offer points too?
No. IRCC awards points through either Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer under the Labour Market Integration factor, using the option that gives the higher score.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Check IRCC’s current instructions or consult a qualified immigration professional about your circumstances.
