British Columbia and Saskatchewan invite more provincial nominees this week; Alberta provides PNP update
British Columbia and Saskatchewan held draws this week as part of their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), while Alberta offered crucial updates on its PNP. Continue reading to discover the nomination results, including program streams, invitation numbers, candidate cut-off scores, and more.
British Columbia
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) hosted three targeted draws for specific vocations as part of its “Skilled Worker International Graduate (includes Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) option)” stream.
In the first draw, 104 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to immigration candidates with professional expertise in technical jobs. Candidates in this draw had to have a minimum score of 94.
The second draw was aimed toward people working in the childcare industry, notably early childhood educators and helpers. Candidates with a minimum score of 60 received 61 ITAs in the draw.
The final draw sought experts with experience in the healthcare field. The draw selected 25 applicants with a minimum score of 60.
British Columbia (B.C.) has conducted regular draws all year. British Columbia, like many other jurisdictions, has targeted occupations. Because both the provincial and federal governments emphasize in-demand occupations through category-based selection for Express Entry and in-demand occupations for PNPs, candidates with professional expertise in these targeted occupations may receive precedence when receiving an ITA.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan released immigration results for the October 23rd draw, in which the province staged two distinct PNP lotteries via the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).
The first draw was held in the Occupations-In-Demand stream, and 40 candidates with a minimum score of 84 were asked to apply for PR.
The second draw was held through the Express Entry-aligned stream, and 59 candidates with a minimum score of 84 were invited.
Educational credential assessments (ECA) were administered to candidates in both streams.
Saskatchewan has announced that the Existing Work Permit stream would be expanded to include individuals in intermediate and lower-skilled occupations. Candidates working in nearly 270 new occupations are now eligible to apply for permanent residence in Saskatchewan as a result of this new adjustment.
Alberta
Alberta’s PNP, the Atlantic Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), has provided an update on immigration throughout the year.
As of November 7th, 2023, the AAIP had invited 9,200 candidates. This year’s annual allocation was 9,750 immigration prospects, whom the program is on schedule to welcome by the end of the year. More over half of these allocations are for non-Express Entry streams, with the remainder for Express Entry aligned and other streams. The provincial government indicated that places from lesser demand streams were re-allocated to increase available spots in the Alberta Opportunity Stream and Rural Renewal Stream.
Alberta is one of the fastest growing provinces in Canada, with a thriving population, a solid economy, and lower tax rates than the rest of the country. Alberta now anticipates annual immigrant allocations of more than 10,000 immigrants (per year) between 2024 and 2025.
The PNP’s growing significance
The PNP exists to disseminate the positive effects of immigration across Canada. Started in 1998, the program (which previously took a back seat to other federal economic programs) is set to become Canada’s primary economic immigration gateway by 2025.
The program’s growing importance suggests that the IRCC aims to direct more immigration to places that may have a greater need for newcomers. As the latter acquires significance in Canada’s immigration operations, new candidates for immigration to Canada may want to investigate both federal and provincial options.
