IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Canada has conducted its fourth Express Entry draw of the year, issuing 3,664 invitations to apply for permanent residency. The lowest qualifying score was 447.

What does the change mean? The draw represents the largest number of invitations issued since the program was introduced in January 2015. The minimum qualifying score of 447 is one of the lowest qualifying scores to date and a drop from previous draws since the comprehensive scoring system was modified in November, indicating that a wider pool of candidates are being accepted.

Background: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada made significant changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System in November. The changes benefit candidates with a valid job offer in NOC 0, A or B occupations who have worked for at least one year in Canada for the employer making the job offer without the need for a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment, as well as candidates who have completed post-secondary education in Canada.

There have been seven draws since the new scoring system was implemented:

Date Invitations Score
Nov. 30, 2016* 559 786
Dec. 16, 2016 1,936 497
Dec. 22, 2016 2,878 475
Jan. 4, 2017 2,902 468
Jan. 11, 2017 3,334 459
Jan. 25, 2017 3,508 453
Feb. 8 3,664 447

*PNP nominees only 

BAL Analysis: The latest draw continues the upward trend in numbers of invitations and downward trend in minimum qualifying scores since the new scoring system was introduced.

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.