Update To Express Entry's Comprehensive Ranking System

On November 11, 2016, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System for its Express Entry immigration selection program, effective November 19, 2016. The changes may have a direct impact on candidates currently applying or planning to apply for immigration to Canada through the federal programs managed through IRCC's Express Entry program.

The new changes may impact (positively or negatively) a candidate's prospect of obtaining an "Invitation to Apply" for permanent residency through Express Entry. Among the changes, IRCC has reduced the number of points a candidate will be given for a qualifying job offer supported by an LMIA from 600 to either 200 or 50 depending on the position held by the employee. In addition, workers in Canada on skilled work permits with named employers (i.e. NAFTA professional, Intra Corporate Transferees) can obtain points for a qualifying job offer. This will allow individuals to...