Express Entry in Canada – A downward trend in qualifying scores

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has completed another round of draws from the new Express Entry pool.  The draw, completed on March 28, 2015 resulted in 1,637 Invitations to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence.  The lowest qualifying score was 453.

Express Entry is Canada’s new immigration application management system. Candidates are awarded points meant to measure a candidate’s ability to succeed in Canada.  Up to 600 points are awarded based on a candidate’s age, marital status, language skills, professional experience and education. An additional 600 points may be awarded if the candidate has a qualifying job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a Provincial Nomination Certificate (PNC).

Since inception, the program has faced criticism for unfairly excluding international students and other LMIA-exempt foreign nationals.  This most recent draw is the second in which the qualifying score has dropped below the 600-point threshold, meaning some candidates receiving invitations in this round did not have an LMIA or PNC.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at New Round of Express Entry Invitations Continues Downward Trend in Qualifying Scores | Green and Spiegel.