Major Amendments For Canadian Permanent Residency Applications Under Express Entry

Canadian Immigration changes point allocation under Express Entry impacting scores for most applicants

Background: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister John MacCallum is set to release major changes to the point allocation systemunder Express Entry by introducing several legislative amendments in the form of Ministerial Instructions, which will become effective November 19, 2016. The changes will re-allocate the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) point system, which will see a drastic decrease in points granted to Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), and encourage applications from Executives and existing work permit holders such as Intra-Company Transferees (ICTs) who have been working in Canada for at least one (1) year. Additionally, IRCC is extending the deadline to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) following receipt of an Invitation To Apply (ITA) from 60 to 90 days, and also encourages use of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) by