Changes to Express Entry coming in June

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Canada will introduce changes to the Express Entry points system beginning June 6.

What does the change mean? Candidates will be awarded 15 additional points for French language skills, 30 points for dual French and English language skills, and 15 points for having a sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Registration with the Job Bank will become voluntary instead of mandatory.

• Implementation time frame: June 6.
• Visas/permits affected: Permanent residence through Express Entry.
• Who is affected: Express Entry candidates with French language skills, or English and French skills, and candidates with a sibling in Canada.
• Impact on processing times: The removal of the mandatory Job Bank registration means that all candidates who meet minimum criteria under Express Entry will automatically be placed into the pool and will be immediately eligible for the draw.

Background: Currently, Express Entry’s comprehensive ranking system awards candidates up to 136 points for their first language and up to 24 points for their second official language. Under the changes, candidates can earn an additional 15 points if they test at level 7 of the compétence linguistique canadiens (NLC) and an English test result of Canadian Language Benchmark 4 or lower. Candidates may earn 30 additional points for NLC level 7 test results in all four skills in French and CLB 5 or higher in English.

Candidates with a sibling 18 years or older living in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident will be awarded 15 points.

BAL Analysis: The changes will attract Francophone immigrants and those with established sibling ties in Canada. The move to a voluntary rather than mandatory Job Bank registration should facilitate eligibility for invitation rounds.  

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Canada. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2017 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.