Express Entry invitations remain high in latest draw

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Canada has conducted its 11th Express Entry draw of the year, issuing 3,796 invitations to apply for permanent residency. The lowest qualifying score was 423.

What does the change mean?  The number of invitations issued was on par with other draws conducted so far this year, and up significantly compared with draws in 2015 and 2016. The minimum qualifying score of 423 was one of the lowest qualifying scores to date, indicating that a wide pool of candidates continues to be accepted.

Background: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada made changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System in November. The changes benefit candidates with a valid job offer that is not supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment, provided the employee has worked for the employer for a year and the job is in NOC 0, A or B occupations. The new scoring system also benefits candidates who have completed post-secondary education in Canada. Additional changes to the scoring system are set to go into effect in June, and they should help attract Francophone immigrants and those with siblings in Canada.

There have been 11 draws so far this year:

BAL Analysis: Thursday’s draw was the fourth draw in a 30-day period after draws had been conducted roughly every two weeks for most of 2016 and 2017. The draw continues the trend of high numbers of invitations and low minimum qualifying scores since the new scoring system was introduced.

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

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