What does the change mean? For the third straight draw, the number of candidates invited to apply for permanent residency was the highest it has been this year. The minimum score decreased slightly to 470 from 472 on Nov. 2.

• 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: in 2015, Canada issued 31,063 invitations to apply through Express Entry. Officials projected a greater number for 2016, and have issued just 28,409 so far this year. The number of invitations has increased dramatically in draws in the last two months compared with most draws earlier this year.

Express Entry Draws in 2016:

B·A·L Analysis: Wednesday’s draw was the last before changes to the Express Entry scoring system take effect. More invitations to apply were issued in Wednesday’s draw than in any so far this year. The increase is consistent with the trend in the past two months toward an increase in the number of candidates invited to apply for permanent residency per draw. The drop in the minimum qualifying score is also positive news for Express Entry candidates.

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.

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