Express Entry qualifying points level at all-time low

The number of points needed to be selected through Canada’s Express Entry Immigration programme has dropped to its lowest level since the system’s introduction at the start of this year.

According to official Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) data, the 13th round of Invitations to Apply for Express Entry applicants to apply for Permanent Residence, drawn earlier this month, saw a total of 1,581 people in the pool being invited to apply for a visa. Invitations were issued to applicants with scores of 451 or more – the lowest qualifying score to date.

Through Express Entry, applicants are awarded up to 600 points based on a number of factors meant to assess their ability to succeed in Canada, including age, language skills, education and work experience. An additional 600 points are awarded for holding a job offer supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment.

A number of Canadian provinces, including British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario, now also operate their own Provincial Nominee Programmes using the Express Entry criteria.

It is hoped that the Express Entry system will see successful applicants being awarded their visas within six months of submitting their initial expression on interest.