IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Canada has conducted its 21st Express Entry draw of 2016, issuing 1,518 invitations to apply. The lowest qualifying score was 484.

What does the change mean? The number of invitations was up significantly from the last draw, though officials waited three weeks – rather than the usual two – to conduct the draw. The minimum score changed hardly at all, and was up one point from 483 in the Sept. 21 draw.

  • 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 22,098 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

BAL Analysis: The number of invitations to apply in Wednesday’s draw hit its highest point since Jan. 13, though that is less of a surprise given that officials had not conducted a draw in three weeks. The minimum score remained in the 480-490 range after spiking to 538 on Aug. 24.

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@balglobal.com.