Latest Express Entry Draw Remains Low, but With Higher Qualifying Score than Previous Draws
August 24, 2016

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is conducting its 41st Express Entry draw through tomorrow.
-
IRCC will issue 750 invitations to those who have submitted an Expression of Interest to apply for permanent residence.
-
The minimum qualifying score for this draw is 538, a substantial increase from the last draw’s qualifying score of 490.
The number of invitations remains low, as in recent draws. The frequency and size of Express Entry draws are at the discretion of IRCC.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
While a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or Provincial Nomination (PN) approval will guarantee an employee’s selection and invitation for permanent residence, such documents are not required in all cases.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Jill Bloom explains how the new wage-based H-1B selection rule may influence hiring decisions and prompt employers to reassess workforce planning and explore alternative visa options.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how companies are rethinking their H-1B strategies amid evolving policies.
Awards
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler is recognized by EB5 Investors Magazine as a 2025 Top 25 award recipient, reflecting leadership and long-standing impact in the global investment immigration space.
Blog post
Partners Isha Atassi and Rahul Soni outline key considerations across the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and the US Gold Card, comparing eligibility, investment structures and risk factors for high-net-worth individuals from the Middle East seeking US permanent residence.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.
Video
Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Partner Jill Bloom explains how the new wage-based H-1B selection rule may influence hiring decisions and prompt employers to reassess workforce planning and explore alternative visa options.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how companies are rethinking their H-1B strategies amid evolving policies.
Awards
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler is recognized by EB5 Investors Magazine as a 2025 Top 25 award recipient, reflecting leadership and long-standing impact in the global investment immigration space.
Blog post
Partners Isha Atassi and Rahul Soni outline key considerations across the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and the US Gold Card, comparing eligibility, investment structures and risk factors for high-net-worth individuals from the Middle East seeking US permanent residence.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.
Video
Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
