IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Canada has conducted its sixth Express Entry draw of the year, issuing 3,884 invitations to apply for permanent residency. The lowest qualifying score was 434.

What does the change mean? More invitations were issued than in any draw since the program was introduced in January 2015. The minimum qualifying score of 434 was the lowest since the comprehensive scoring system was modified in November, indicating that a wide pool of candidates continue to be 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 Labour Market Impact Assessment, as well as candidates who have completed post-secondary education in Canada.

There have been nine 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
Feb. 22 3,611 441
March 1 3,884 434

*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. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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