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 obtain points for a qualifying job offer without the need to obtain an LMIA. The points available for a qualifying job offer will be 50 or 200 based on occupation with only the most senior management level occupations receiving 200 points and other skilled positions receiving 50 points. Candidates will also be given additional points for completing a study program in Canada.
For further details about the changes and how it may impact your company's temporary foreign workers, please contact a member of our immigration group.
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