Invitations, minimum scores remain low in latest Express Entry draw

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Canada has conducted its 12th Express Entry draw of 2016, issuing 762 invitations to apply with a lowest qualifying score of 483.

What does the change mean? The number of invitations to apply and lowest qualifying score were almost identical in the last Express Entry draw on May 18, when 763 invitations to apply were issued with a lowest qualifying score of 484.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• 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 was less than 600, indicating that some candidates were issued invitations to apply without having an LMIA-supported job offer or provincial nomination.

Background: In 2015, Canada issued 31,063 invitations to apply through Express Entry. So far this year, Canada has issued 13,761 invitations to apply.

Express Entry Draws in 2016:

BAL Analysis: The number of invitations has consistently decreased since February, an indication that the government may be shifting resources toward family reunification applications and clearing backlogs of old permanent residence applications submitted under previous, non-Express Entry routes.

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

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