IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Canada has conducted its fifth Express Entry draw of the year, issuing 3,611 invitations to apply for permanent residency. The lowest qualifying score was 441.

What does the change mean? The number of invitations issued was near the highest number issued since the program was introduced in January 2015. The minimum qualifying score of 441 was one of the lowest qualifying scores to date and a drop from previous draws since the comprehensive scoring system was modified in November, indicating that a wide pool of candidates continues to be accepted.

Background: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada made significant changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System in November. The changes benefit candidates with a valid job offer in NOC 0, A or B occupations who have worked for at least one year in Canada for the employer making the job offer without the need for a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment, as well as candidates who have completed post-secondary education in Canada.

There have been eight draws since the new scoring system was implemented:

Date Invitations Score
Nov. 30, 2016* 559 786
Dec. 16, 2016 1,936 497
Dec. 22, 2016 2,878 475
Jan. 4, 2017 2,902 468
Jan. 11, 2017 3,334 459
Jan. 25, 2017 3,508 453
Feb. 8, 2017 3,664 447
Feb. 22, 2017 3,611 441

*PNP nominees only

BAL Analysis: The latest draw continues the trend in issuing high numbers of invitations and the downward trend in minimum qualifying scores since the new scoring system was introduced.

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.