Express Entry Changes in effect November 19th

Express Entry is the immigration system used by the Canadian government to process economic class permanent residency applications under three programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades.  To read about Express Entry, visit our blog: http://www.bellalliance.ca/express-entry-things-you-need-to-know-for-now

On November 12, 2016, the government announced changes to the points under the Comprehensive Ranking System. These changes come into effect November 19, 2016. Here are our preliminary notes about the changes, which are subject to change as we learn more.

Qualifying Job Offer

Current: Only permanent job offers supported by an LMIA are considered qualifying job offers and receive 600 points.

Change: The definition of a qualifying job offer will change to give:

1. 200 Points if the permanent offer is in an occupation in a Major Group 00 of the National Occupational Classification (senior managerial level). These occupations are:

• 0011 Legislators
• 0012 Senior government managers and officials
• 0013 Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services
• 0014 Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations
• 0015 Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services not elsewhere classified.
• 0016 Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities

2. 50 Points if offer is in any other qualifying offer. These points are given to permanent skilled job offers that are:
   • Supported with a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
   • For workers with a work permit issued under an international agreement, such as North America Free Trade Agreement.
   • For workers with a work permit issued under the significant benefits to Canada criteria, such as intra-company transferees.

To get the 200 or 50 points for non-LMIA supported job offers, the worker must have been working in Canada for at least one year, and the work permit must name the employer who is offering the permanent job offer to qualify.

This means LMIA supported job offers will no longer receive 600 points, only 50. A provincial or territorial nomination is still worth 600 points.

Canadian Education

Current: There are no points given to Canadian education.

Change: Points will be given to foreign nationals with Canadian education. This includes:

• 0 points for a secondary school education credential;
• 15 points for a one or two-year post-secondary program; or
• 30 points if the program:
  • was a post-secondary program of three years or more;
  • led to a masters or professional degree for a NOC Skills level A position, where provincial licensing is required; or
  • led to a PhD.

The study program must be at least 8 months in length (2 academic terms) and completed by the student while he/she was physically present in Canada.

Time to Submit Application

Applicants will be given 90 days to submit their permanent residency application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, vs. the current 60 days.

Candidates in the Pool

The changes will affect candidates currently in the pool. They will see their points increase or decrease if any of the above applies to their profile details.