Four Canadian provinces have invited candidates to apply for provincial nomination this week.
All of Canada’s provinces and territories except Quebec and Nunavut have a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Through the PNP, provincial governments can select the economic immigration candidates who are the most likely to economically establish within the province and integrate into the local labour force and economy.
Candidates in the PNP are highly likely to be selected based on an in-demand attribute within the province. For example, most provinces hold draws that select candidates in specific occupations, such as the dedicated healthcare pathway for Express Entry candidates in Alberta, or they will be invited based on their language abilities such as the French-speaking skilled workers stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Most PNPs also have streams for international graduates in the province to encourage retention of international students.
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One a province selects these candidates, they nominate them to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent resident status. A provincial nomination does not give PR to candidates, but it does strengthen the application, particularly for Express Entry candidates who receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for a nomination, in addition to their original score.
Provincial immigration results Jan 13-19
Ontario
On January 18, OINP invited 984 candidates from the Express Entry French Speaking Skilled Workers stream. It was a general draw, meaning no occupations were specified.
All candidates were in the Express Entry application pool and needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score between 317-469 to be considered.
British Columbia
On January 16, British Columbia invited more than 193 candidates from the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams of the BC PNP. Candidates were invited in five separate draws, each targeting a specific occupation.
The largest draw was for 91 candidates in tech occupations. They needed a minimum score of 103 to be considered. The province also invited 20 candidates in construction occupations with a minimum score of 75.
Candidates in the three-remaining occupation-based draws all needed a minimum score of 60 to be considered.
- Childcare: 53 candidates
- Healthcare: 29 candidates
- Veterinary care: less than five
Alberta
Alberta has recently posted the results of three Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) draws that have taken place throughout January. All candidates were also in the Express Entry application pool.
The province held two draws for candidates in the dedicated healthcare pathway with Alberta job offer stream. The first was on January 2 and invited 42 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 309. The second was on January 16 and candidates required a minimum score of 312 to be considered.
It was the same minimum score for the 44 candidates who were invited on January 11 in a draw for those who met the eligibility criteria for Priority sector – Agriculture occupation with Alberta job offer.
Prince Edward Island
PEI invited 134 Express Entry, Skilled Worker, and Critical Worker Stream candidates in the PEI PNP on January 18. Candidates needed a minimum point score of 65 to be considered.
This was the first Express Entry draw for PEI in 2024. Between February and December 2023, the province nominated 2,199 candidates.
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