This week, both the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) announced significant updates, issuing invitations to candidates through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These developments highlight the ongoing efforts of Canadian provinces to attract skilled workers and address labor shortages in critical sectors. Let’s take a closer look at the details of these provincial draws and how they contribute to Canada’s immigration landscape.
Understanding the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Introduced in 1998, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to share immigration responsibilities with the federal government. The goal is to spread the benefits of immigration across the country by enabling provinces to nominate candidates who meet specific economic and labor needs.
Receiving a provincial nomination significantly enhances a candidate’s profile, particularly in the Express Entry system. A provincial nomination adds an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, making it highly likely for the nominee to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in subsequent Express Entry draws.
Recent Provincial Immigration Results (October 12-18, 2024)
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
On October 17, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 1,307 invitations under the Express Entry: Skilled Trades stream. This stream is designed for skilled workers with experience in in-demand occupations within Ontario.
CRS Score Range:
- Candidates invited in this round had CRS scores ranging from 405 to 435.
- Ontario prioritized candidates with work experience in specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes, which are reflective of key sectors driving Ontario’s economy.
You can explore the list of accepted occupations and their corresponding NOC codes here.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
On October 16, 2024, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) held two separate draws, issuing over 190 invitations to eligible candidates.
General Draw
In the first round, the BCPNP issued 102 invitations across several immigration streams. The minimum scores required for each stream are outlined in the table below:
| Stream | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 127 |
| Skilled Worker – Express Entry (EEBC) | 127 |
| International Graduate | 127 |
| International Graduate – EEBC | 127 |
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 110 |
Targeted Draws
In the second draw, invitations were sent to candidates with professional experience in industries such as childcare, construction, healthcare, and veterinary care. Below is a breakdown of the results:
| Industry | Minimum Score | Number of Invitations |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare | 83 | 38 |
| Construction | 89 | 21 |
| Healthcare | 99 | 28 |
| Veterinary Care | 80 | Less than 5 |
Newfoundland & Labrador Nears Maximum Provincial Allocation
On October 8, 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills announced that it had almost reached its maximum allocation of provincial nominations for the year 2024.
Every year, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sets a target for the number of permanent residents that Canada intends to welcome, broken down into provincial allocations. These allocations are influenced by factors such as labor market needs and population growth.
Prioritizing Critical Sectors
With limited nominations left, Newfoundland and Labrador has prioritized applications from candidates in sectors facing critical labor shortages, including healthcare, early learning, and construction. Although applications under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) will continue to be accepted, most will not be processed until 2025, except in cases of extenuating circumstances.
The department also announced that it will resume its 25-day processing standard for the NLPNP in January 2025.
How Provincial Nominee Programs Shape Canadian Immigration
The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have become a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration system. By allowing provinces to select candidates based on their specific economic and labor market needs, PNPs help build a resilient and skilled workforce. The additional 600 CRS points awarded to candidates through provincial nominations further boost their chances of receiving an ITA through the Express Entry system.
Provincial Nominee Program Process
Conclusion
The recent draws conducted by Ontario and British Columbia underscore the vital role that Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) play in Canada’s immigration strategy. As provinces continue to refine their programs to address local economic needs, PNPs remain a valuable pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. Whether you are a candidate looking to strengthen your Express Entry profile or a professional in a high-demand sector, leveraging these provincial programs could be a key step in your immigration journey.
For more information on Canada’s immigration pathways and eligibility criteria, candidates are encouraged to explore the specific requirements of each Provincial Nominee Program.
Don’t hesitate to reach out us AsKubeir for expert guidance and personalized support. Let us help you turn your career goals into reality and start your new chapter in Canada with confidence!
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