IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Canada has conducted its sixth Express Entry draw of 2016, issuing 1,013 invitations to apply.

What does the change mean? The lowest qualifying score was 473, indicating that the minimum score to qualify for an invitation to apply for permanent residency has risen to the highest score this year.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Permanent residency through Express Entry.
  • Who is affected: Canadian companies sponsoring foreign nationals through one of four skilled migration programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.
  • Business impact: The minimum qualifying score was less than 600, indicating that some candidates were issued invitations to apply without having an LMIA-supported job offer or provincial nomination.

Background: In 2015, Canada issued 31,063 invitations to apply through Express Entry. Officials have projected a greater number of invitations in 2016. So far this year, Canada has issued 8,451 invitations to apply:

Date Invitations Minimum Score
Jan. 6 1,463 461
Jan. 13 1,518 453
Jan. 27 1,468 457
Feb. 10 1,505 459
Feb. 24 1,484 453
March 9 1,013 473

BAL Analysis:  Despite the increase in the minimum qualifying score in the latest drawing, the minimum score remains in the low range and below 600.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.