IMPACT – MEDIUM 

What is the change? Canada has conducted its 14th Express Entry draw of 2016, issuing 773 invitations to apply. The lowest qualifying score was 488.

What does the change mean?  The lowest qualifying score remains low and in line with the previous three draws, but the number of invitations for permanent residency has also fallen in the past several draws compared to draws earlier this year.

  • 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 less than 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 at mid-year they have only issued 15,286 invitations to apply, less than half of last year’s invitations.

Express Entry Draws in 2016:

Date Invitations Minimum Score
Jan. 6 1,463 461
Jan. 13 1,518 453
Jan. 27 1,468 457
Feb. 10 1,505 459
Feb. 24 1,484 453
March 9 1,013 473
March 23 1,014 470
April 6 954 470
April 20 1,018 468
May 6 799 534
May 18 763 484
June 1 762 483
June 15 752 488
June 29 773 482

BAL Analysis: The latest draw indicates that the minimum score to obtain an invitation to apply remains low; however, fewer candidates have been selected and offered invitations to apply in the past several rounds.

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

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