December 22, 2016 – Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 2,878 candidates to become permanent residents of Canada.  The lowest scoring candidate was ranked with a score of 475 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).  Therefore, anyone who had submitted their Express Entry profile prior to December 22, 2016 and had a score of 475 or higher would have received an invitation to apply (ITA).  On December 16, 2016, IRCC selected 1,936 candidates where the lowest scoring candidate was awarded 497 points.  We can see a major decrease in the points threshold required.  As IRCC has committed to processing more permanent resident applications in the coming 2017 year, we expect that the score required for an Invitation to Apply will continue to drop.

Express Entry Overview

Launched in January 2015, Express Entry is Canada’s newest application intake system for certain economic immigration programs including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class and a some of the Provincial Nominee programs.  Express Entry was designed with three main objectives in mind: 1) flexibility in selection and application management, 2) responsiveness to labour market and regional needs and 3) speed in application processing. Although there have been adjustments to the system during its first year and policy concerns expressed by stakeholders, Express Entry has met its expectations.

Express Entry – How to apply

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