IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Canada has conducted its eighth Express Entry draw of the year, issuing 3,753 invitations to apply for permanent residency. The lowest qualifying score was 431.

What does the change mean? The number of invitations issued was one of the highest totals issued since the program was introduced in January 2015. The minimum qualifying score of 431 the lowest qualifying score to date, 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 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 eight draws so far this year:

Date Invitations Minimum Score
Jan. 3 2,902 468
Jan. 11 3,334 459
Jan. 25 3,508 453
Feb. 8 3,664 447
Feb. 22 3,611 441
March 1 3,884 434
March 24 3,749 441
April 5 3,753 431

BAL Analysis: The latest 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 and our network provider located in Canada. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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