Four Canadian provinces release draw results for immigration programs

Three Canadian provinces released their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw results this past week, and Quebec held a recent draw through Arrima.

Most Canadian provinces and territories (with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut) operate their own PNPs. Through these programs, interested candidates may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Although provincial nomination is not in itself the same as a permanent residence, it can act as the first step towards obtaining permanent resident status for eligible candidates by maximizing your CRS score. For instance, PNP candidates with Express Entry profiles who receive a nomination get 600 points added to their score. They also become eligible to be invited to apply for a PNP-specific round of invitations.

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PNP draw results August 19-25

British Columbia

More than 210 candidates were invited to apply for provincial nomination in British Columbia on August 23. BC typically holds a provincial nomination draw each week.

The majority of candidates, 205, were invited in a regional targeted draw that included tech occupations. The invitations were issued to candidates in the Skilled Worker and International Graduates categories and included Express Entry candidates. The draw also included Entry Level and Semi-Skilled candidates.

The minimum SIRS score for the targeted regional draw ranged between 106 for Skilled Workers with Express Entry to 75 for Entry Level and Semi-Skilled candidates. SIRS acts much like the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) but is only used for British Columbia’s PNP.

The province also held rounds of invitations for candidates working in the following occupations.

Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214) with scores of at least 60 points; and
5 healthcare workers with scores of at least 60 points.
Healthcare assistants with scores of at least 60 points

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan held two draws recently. On August 18, 668 candidates were invited with minimum scores of 67 and 629 were invited on August 25 with minimum scores of 65.

All candidates were invited through Express Entry and Occupations-In-Demand categories of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). In July the province held four draws, one each week, inviting over 200 candidates each time. Until July, Saskatchewan held draws only every two months.

Prince Edward Island

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) invited a total of 121 immigration candidates on August 18.

Express Entry and Labour Impact candidates received the most invitations, with a combined total of 117. The remaining four invitations went to Business Impact candidates who had provincial scores of at least 97 points.

PEI holds about one draw per month and releases its schedule for the year in advance.

Quebec

Quebec has more autonomy over its immigration system than any other province, and so it does not participate in the PNP.

Those who wish to immigrate to Quebec, must submit a profile to a provincial expression of interest pool, called Arrima. Provincial officials then invite candidates whose profiles fit the criteria for an immigration program. Invited candidates apply for a provincial nomination or a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) in Quebec.

On August 9, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) invited 58 candidates to apply for a permanent selection under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).

Candidates had to have profiles in the Arrima Expression of Interest system with scores and they had a valid job offer outside of the Montreal Metropolitan area.

Express Entry and PNP

Express Entry is an application management system that ranks and evaluates candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates in these programs enter a pool and are ranked against each other using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS provides them with a score based on their work experience, language ability, education, and other human capital factors.

Obtaining provincial nomination adds 600 points to an individual’s CRS score and makes it very likely that they will receive an ITA for permanent residency from IRCC.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration