The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration issued a Ministerial Instruction to issue “Invitations to Apply” for permanent residence to 779 Express Entry applicants between January 31 and February 2, 2015. These 779 applicants will have 60 days to submit their online application for permanent residence. The government intends to process these permanent residence applications in six months or less, which is a year or so faster than most could expect under the old system. This was the first draw under the new Express Entry system, which merged applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.  Each of the 779 applicants scored a total of 886 points or more under the Comprehensive Ranking System.  Scores this high require a skilled job offer or a provincial nomination, so this draw is not good news for those hoping to immigrate without a job offer.  To put it in perspective, as a fluent English-speaking lawyer with a highly-educated, fluent English-speaking wife, I would have had less than 600 points without a job offer or provincial nomination.  Fortunately, this draw may have been an anomaly due to its small size.  As the government issues Invitations to Apply to greater numbers in future draws, it is expected the points required will come down. Please contact us for legal advice as to whether you are eligible for the Express Entry system.  We can assess your points under the Comprehensive Ranking System, prepare and submit your Express Entry application, help improve your existing Express Entry profile, and prepare and submit your permanent residence application. About the author: is an associate in the Saskatoon office where he focuses on corporate and commercial law, international business transactions, employer-side immigration, as well as finance and securities service areas. About McKercher LLP: McKercher LLP is one of Saskatchewan’s oldest, largest law firms with offices in Saskatoon and Regina. Our deep roots and client-first philosophy have made us a top ranked firm by Canadian Lawyer magazine (2011, 2013). Expertise, experience and capacity provide innovative solutions for our clients’ diverse legal issues and complex business transactions.