In the recent round of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), several Canadian provinces, namely Ontario, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba, have extended invitations to prospective candidates.
The PNP was established to address the fact that immigration is a shared responsibility between the provincial and federal governments. This program empowers provincial governments to play a more active role in selecting economic immigrants who intend to settle within their nominating province.
The primary objective of the provincial governments is to target skilled candidates who can effectively bridge gaps in the local labor force and seamlessly integrate into the provincial economy. In essence, they seek to nominate candidates who are highly likely to stay in the province and flourish within its unique socio-economic landscape.
When a candidate receives a nomination from a province, their chances of obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence substantially increase. Moreover, Express Entry candidates who receive provincial nominations are awarded an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, virtually guaranteeing them an ITA in an upcoming draw.
To facilitate the allocation of available PNP nominations to each province, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) refers to the most recent Immigration Levels Plan, which sets out the target for permanent resident admissions over the next three years.
Recognizing the desire of the provinces for more autonomy over economic immigration, discussions have revolved around the possibility of individual agreements with the federal government, similar to Quebec’s arrangement. Quebec is the only province in Canada with total authority over the selection of economic immigrants under the Canada-Quebec Accord.
While specific agreements have yet to be reached, there has been significant development in the form of a Provincial Immigration Levels Plan initiated by IRCC. This plan, which was recently ratified by the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration in March, outlines the provincial nomination allocations for the upcoming three years, with most allocations being higher than in previous years.
This step towards greater collaboration will empower provinces to better plan for the integration of newcomers, ensuring adequate job opportunities, housing, and essential infrastructure are in place to make the provinces even more appealing and welcoming to potential immigrants. As the provinces gear up to welcome a more diverse pool of candidates, the Provincial Nominee Program aims to strengthen Canada’s overall immigration system and foster the sustainable growth of its provinces.
Results For Provincial Immigration from July 15 – 20
Ontario
In a move to actively address the labor market demands, Ontario conducted two separate draws on July 20, specifically catering to candidates under the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream. The province extended invitations to a total of 1,061 candidates, with 902 invitations reserved for individuals in tech-related occupations and 159 for healthcare professionals. All invited candidates were required to have Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores falling within the range of 458 to 462.
These draw results in Ontario bear a striking resemblance to the recently introduced category-based selection rounds for Express Entry invitations. The province has been keen on targeting and attracting skilled professionals in critical sectors, aligning its immigration efforts with the specific needs of the labor market.
Throughout the summer, Ontario has successfully invited 2,000 healthcare professionals and an additional 500 candidates with expertise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through federal Express Entry draws. This initiative showcases the province’s commitment to attracting a diverse pool of talented individuals and strengthening its workforce across various sectors.
By organizing these specialized draws and collaborating with the federal Express Entry system, Ontario aims to bolster its economic growth and development. The province recognizes the value that skilled immigrants bring to its industries, and through strategic invitations, it is actively positioning itself as an attractive destination for professionals seeking new opportunities and a promising future.
Ontario’s proactive approach to selecting candidates from the Express Entry pool not only fills crucial skill gaps in the local labor force but also fosters a dynamic and thriving community of individuals from diverse backgrounds. As the province continues to welcome talented tech and healthcare professionals, it sets a precedent for other regions in Canada, showcasing the significance of targeted immigration initiatives that align with specific provincial needs.
British Columbia
In its routine Tuesday draw on July 18, British Columbia took a proactive step in welcoming skilled individuals to the province. This week’s draws were particularly noteworthy, with a total of over 167 candidates receiving invitations across four separate draws. The invitations were extended to participants in the Skilled Workers or International Graduate Streams, and Express Entry candidates were also included in the selection process.
The largest draw targeted 112 candidates with expertise in tech occupations, aligning with the province’s efforts to bolster its tech sector. These candidates were required to have a minimum Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) score of 88, ensuring that only the most highly qualified and suitable professionals were invited.
The remaining three draws also demonstrated a focused approach, as they were occupation-specific, requiring candidates to have a minimum SIRS score of 60. The province extended invitations to 39 early childhood educators and assistants, recognizing the importance of cultivating a skilled workforce in the education sector.
Additionally, 16 healthcare professionals were invited, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a robust healthcare system to meet the needs of its residents. Furthermore, a select number of candidates in other priority occupations were also granted invitations.
Prince Edward Island
On July 20, Prince Edward Island (PEI) kick-started the month with its first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, extending invitations to a total of 106 candidates. These invitations were thoughtfully distributed across two distinct categories, reflecting the province’s commitment to attracting diverse talent.
The first category targeted candidates in the Labour and Express Entry stream, encompassing a broad spectrum of skilled individuals. PEI invited 97 candidates under the Critical Worker Stream, who currently contribute their expertise to a PEI employer. To qualify, these candidates needed to possess a minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 50, ensuring that skilled professionals with substantial experience were selected.
Furthermore, PEI recognized the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation by inviting nine candidates under the Business Work Permit Entrepreneur stream. These candidates demonstrated their potential as business owners and met the minimum point threshold of 80, showcasing their aptitude for contributing to the province’s economic growth.
The comprehensive approach taken by PEI in selecting candidates from both streams highlights the province’s dedication to strengthening its labor force and fostering a dynamic and thriving business ecosystem. By attracting skilled workers and aspiring entrepreneurs, PEI positions itself as an appealing destination for individuals seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The PNP draws conducted by PEI serve as a testament to the importance of provincial nomination programs in Canada’s immigration landscape. As regions tailor their selection criteria to meet their unique economic needs, these initiatives contribute to the nation’s overall development and prosperity, further solidifying Canada’s reputation as a global hub for talent and innovation.
Manitoba
On the 20th of July, Manitoba conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream, extending 595 Letters of Advice to Apply (equivalent to an ITA) to eligible candidates. To qualify for this round, candidates were required to have a minimum ranking score of 611, showcasing Manitoba’s focus on attracting highly skilled individuals.
Of the 595 letters issued, a significant proportion, precisely 340, were granted to candidates who declared a valid Express Entry profile. This suggests that these individuals likely received invitations through enhanced PNP nominations, further emphasizing Manitoba’s efforts to target and invite candidates with exceptional skills and qualifications.
Looking ahead, Manitoba has recently taken significant steps to deliberate on the future of its economic immigration and settlement programs. To facilitate this, the province has established the Advisory Council on Economic Immigration and Settlement (ACEIS). The primary objective of ACEIS is to streamline the MPNP, fostering increased economic immigration and encouraging business investments within the province.
Additionally, the council aims to enhance Manitoba’s settlement programs for newcomers, ensuring a smoother and more successful transition for those who choose to make the province their new home.
Manitoba’s commitment to attracting skilled individuals and entrepreneurs through its PNP draws aligns with its long-term vision of promoting economic growth and diversity. By carefully selecting candidates with high-ranking scores and leveraging enhanced PNP nominations, the province positions itself as an attractive destination for global talent-seeking opportunities for professional advancement and personal growth.
The establishment of ACEIS is a testament to Manitoba’s dedication to continuously improving its immigration and settlement programs, reinforcing the province’s reputation as a welcoming and prosperous region for newcomers.
As Manitoba continues to optimize its approach to economic immigration, it reinforces Canada’s position as a global leader in attracting and integrating skilled immigrants from around the world.