Immigration News - Canada Minimum score up significantly in Express Entry draw Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) August 24, 2016 IMPACT – MEDIUM What is the change? Canada has conducted its 18th Express Entry draw of 2016, issuing 750 invitations to apply. The lowest qualifying score was 538 – higher than it has been than at any point during the year. What does the change mean? The number of invitations to apply has changed little in the past eight draws, but is down considerably compared with earlier this year. The minimum score of 538 was up significantly compared with minimum scores in recent draws. Implementation time frame: 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 increased significantly, but remained under 600, indicating that some candidates continue to be issued invitations to apply without having an LMIA-supported job offer or provincial nomination. Background: Last year, Canada issued 31,063 invitations to apply through Express Entry. Officials had projected a greater number for 2016, but have issued just 18,292 so far this year. If recent trends continue, Canada will fall short of last year’s total. Express Entry Draws in 2016: Date Invitations Score Jan. 6 1,463 461 Jan. 13 1,518 453 Jan. 27 1,468 457 Feb. 10 1,505 459 Feb. 25 1,484 453 March 9 1,013 473 March 23 1,014 470 April 6 954 470 April 20 1,018 468 Date Invitations Score May 6 799 534 May 18 763 484 June 1 762 483 June 15 752 488 June 29 773 482 July 13 747 482 July 27 755 488 Aug. 10 754 490 Aug. 24 750 538 BAL Analysis: Although the minimum score to obtain an invitation to apply is up in the latest draw, it still remains below 600 even as fewer candidates have been selected in recent Express Entry draws. 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 © 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. Follow us on Twitter: @BAL_Immigration About Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP Founded in 1980, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) provides comprehensive global immigration services from seven offices across the U.S. and from offices in Geneva, London, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. BAL manages global visa matters and customized application approaches for work permits, business visas, and residence permits in more than 100 countries. With a single cost center for worldwide operations, BAL offers centralized management with regional and local support for the complete spectrum of global immigration matters. Source: Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP