IRCC says Express Entry rounds will pause for up to two weeks after November 3 while existing profile scores are recalculated.
IRCC says that from November 3, 2026 it will change how Express Entry awards Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for Canadian work experience and job offers, and that it will pause invitation rounds while scores in existing profiles are recalculated. IRCC states the recalculation "could take up to two weeks" and that rounds will start again when it is complete. IRCC's changes page was last modified on October 16, 2026.
What IRCC has said
The points are from IRCC's own page. No pause start date, end date or draw schedule has been published beyond that wording.
- Change takes effect November 3, 2026.
- Scores in existing profiles are recalculated.
- Recalculation could take up to two weeks (IRCC's wording is an estimate, not a commitment).
- Invitation rounds are paused and resume once recalculation is complete.
Who is affected
Anyone with an active Express Entry profile is affected by the pause, because no rounds will be held while it lasts. Candidates whose CRS score changes under the new rules will see the recalculated score once IRCC finishes.
What this does not tell us
IRCC has not said how many days the pause will actually last, what the first post-pause draw will look like, or what cut-offs to expect. Do not assume a cut-off will rise or fall.
What to do next
Check that your profile is accurate and has not expired before November 3, and review your current score with the CRS calculator. Language results and ECA reports also affect your options, so confirm yours are valid; see the CLB calculator for test conversions. Draw results are tracked on our draws page.
Processing and invitation timelines are estimates and no outcome is guaranteed. Source: IRCC, Express Entry changes, fetched October 23, 2026.
Not sure how this applies to your situation? A licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) can review your profile with you.
