IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Canada is conducting its 22nd Express Entry draw of 2016 today, issuing 1,804 invitations to apply. The lowest qualifying score was 475.
What does the change mean? The number of candidates invited to apply for permanent residency rose significantly from the previous draw last week, while the minimum score also decreased.
- 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 has remained under 600 in all draws this year, 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 23,902 so far this year.
Express Entry Draws in 2016:
| Date | Invitations | Score | Date | Invitations | Score | |
| Jan. 6 | 1,463 | 461 | June 1 | 762 | 483 | |
| Jan. 13 | 1,518 | 453 | June 15 | 752 | 488 | |
| Jan. 27 | 1,468 | 457 | June 29 | 773 | 482 | |
| Feb. 10 | 1,505 | 459 | July 13 | 747 | 482 | |
| Feb. 24 | 1,484 | 453 | July 27 | 755 | 488 | |
| March 9 | 1,013 | 473 | Aug. 10 | 754 | 490 | |
| March 23 | 1,014 | 470 | Aug. 24 | 750 | 538 | |
| April 6 | 954 | 470 | Sept. 7 | 1,000 | 491 | |
| April 20 | 1,018 | 468 | Sept. 21 | 1,288 | 483 | |
| May 6 | 799 | 534 | Oct. 12 | 1,518 | 484 | |
| May 18 | 763 | 484 | Oct. 19 | 1,804 | 475 |
BAL Analysis: The latest draw is consistent with the general trend in the past several months to increase the number of candidates invited to apply for permanent residency per draw. The drop in the minimum qualifying score is also positive news for Express Entry candidates, representing the lowest minimum qualifying score since April.
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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