Slight dip seen in latest Express Entry draw Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) September 6, 2017 IMPACT – MEDIUM What is the change? Canada conducted its 21st Express Entry draw of the year Wednesday, issuing 2,772 invitations to apply for permanent residency. The lowest qualifying score was 435. What does the change mean? The number of invitations dipped slightly, but the low minimum qualifying score of 435 indicates that a wide array of candidates is being invited to apply for permanent residence. Background: There have been 21 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 April 12 3,923 423 April 19 3,665 415 May 4 3,796 423 May 17 3,687 415 May 25* 143 775 May 25** 400 199 May 31 3,877 413 June 28 3,409 449 July 12 3,202 440 Aug. 2 3,264 441 Aug. 9 2,991 433 Aug. 23 3,035 434 Sept. 6 2,772 435 *PNP nominees only **Federal Skilled Trades Program applicants only. BAL Analysis: Canada is continuing its broad trend of issuing a high number of invitations for permanent residency per draw. So far this year, the government has issued roughly 66,500 invitations, more than the number of invitations issued in 2016 and 2015 combined. 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 © 2017 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@bal.com.