Canada – Recent Changes to Express Entry CRS and OINP Award Additional Points to Eligible Foreign Nationals 

All November Global Immigration Updates:

• UK – Home Office Rolls Out Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication for SMS Users and Sets Deadline to Prevent Account Deactivation
• Canada – Recent Changes to Express Entry CRS and OINP Award Additional Points to Eligible Foreign Nationals 
• Spain – Pilot Program Automatically Assigns Fingerprinting Appointments for Select TIE Card Applicants 
• Saudi Arabia – Skilled Workers Now Eligible to Relocate to the Kingdom with Dependents; Increased Salary Requirement to Meet Saudization Rates 
• France – Standardized Issuance of 12-month Talent Visas Across Jurisdictions
• Germany – Temporary Residence Measures for Eligible Ukrainian Nationals Extended
• Japan – Revised Eligibility Criteria for Permanent Residence to Take Effect in April 2027
• Vietnam – Decree 393 Introduces New Pathways and Requirements for Foreign Talent and Employers

In Canada, recent changes to the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) may expand permanent residence opportunities for eligible foreign nationals. Additionally, an update to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Workforce Priority Stream will award qualifying candidates with additional points toward provincial nomination.  

New Labour Market Integration Factor under Express Entry 

On November 3, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada introduced a new Labour Market Integration Factor (LMIF) under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The changes will award additional points for eligible Canadian work experience or qualifying high-wage job offers, potentially improving permanent residence prospects for foreign nationals already working in Canada. 

Employer Takeaway: Employers should reassess their foreign national employees’ permanent residence eligibility and identify individuals who may benefit from increased CRS scores. 

Revised Job Offer Requirements for Express Entry  

Under the revised Express Entry system, qualifying job offers will no longer require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to receive additional CRS points. The changes will broaden opportunities for eligible foreign nationals with qualifying employment offers, while employers must continue to satisfy applicable job offer and eligibility requirements. 

Employer Takeaway: Employers should review existing and prospective job offers to identify additional employees who may qualify for permanent residence and consider whether updates to their Express Entry profiles are required. 

Ontario Provincial Nominee Program Update 

Ontario has updated its Workforce Priority Stream to award additional points to candidates with qualifying Canadian earnings of at least CAD $80,000 in a single year within the preceding five years. The province has also expanded its Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative through 2027 to address labour shortages in designated Ontario communities. 

Employer Takeaway: Employers should assess provincial nomination opportunities for eligible foreign workers, particularly those with higher Canadian earnings or employment in participating regional communities.