Express Entry: Who Could Get 40 Points for High-Wage Work Experience?

Express Entry: Who Could Get 40 Points for High-Wage Work Experience

From November 3, 2026, candidates may qualify for 40 additional CRS points with at least 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in occupations at the 1.5-times-median level or higher, if they do not qualify for 70 points.

Which NOC codes meet the 1.5-times-median threshold?

The following codes are in IRCC’s 1.5-times-median group or higher. The 2× group is included because it also meets the 1.5× threshold; candidates should first be assessed for the 70-point tier. Canada.ca

High-wage level NOC codes
1.5Ă— to under 2Ă— 00014, 00015, 10019, 10022, 10029, 10030, 11103, 11201, 21100, 21102, 21103, 21109, 21111, 21120, 21202, 21210, 21211, 21220, 21221, 21222, 21223, 21230, 21231, 21232, 21300, 21301, 21310, 21311, 21320, 21321, 21322, 21331, 21390, 21399, 22231, 22312, 30010, 31110, 31112, 31120, 31200, 31202, 31203, 31300, 31301, 32111, 40020, 40021, 40030, 40042, 41210, 41220, 41221, 41310, 41311, 41320, 41401, 41402, 41404, 41407, 42100, 42101, 50010, 50011, 51100, 70010, 70012, 70020, 70021, 72011, 72012, 72023, 72103, 72202, 72203, 72301, 72406, 72600, 72601, 72604, 73310, 82020, 82021, 83101, 90010, 92011, 92100, 93100, 93101
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

What work experience counts?

IRCC requires at least 12 months or 1,560 hours of qualifying Canadian work experience. It can be combined across more than one eligible high-wage job and may be continuous or non-continuous, full-time or equivalent part-time work. For simultaneous jobs, hours count only up to 30 per week. Canada.ca

The 40 points are additional to regular CRS points for the length of eligible Canadian work experience. A candidate who qualifies for 70 points receives the higher high-wage experience tier instead.

FAQ

Can I combine experience from more than one job?
Yes. IRCC allows qualifying experience to be combined across eligible high-wage jobs, subject to the 12-month and 1,560-hour requirement.

Does a NOC code alone qualify me for 40 points?
No. Your Canadian work experience and other eligibility details must meet IRCC’s requirements.

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.