British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island) issued invitations to candidates through their last week Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.

Three provinces (British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island) issued invitations to candidates through their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.

Canadian provinces and territories (with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut) operate their own PNP. Interested candidates may be invited to apply for Provincial nominations through these programs.

Those who receive provincial nomination may have an advantage in obtaining permanent residency.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) represents more than 105,000 PR admissions annually.

 It began in 1998 and the annual number of PNP admissions has since grown steadily. 

The federal and provincial governments consider it an effective tool to promote economic development outside of urban centers.

Most recently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held two Express Entry sweeps this month, including a draw this week, during which only PNP applicants received ITAs. 

PNPs allow each province to target applicants with the necessary skills and training to help address local skills shortages and contribute to provincial economies.

Provincial immigration results February 11-February 17

British Columbia PNP Draw

British Columbia invited over 232 candidates to nominate a provincial nominee on February 14.

The province invited 183 applicants to enter a draw for technical occupations. Invitations have been sent to Skilled Worker and International Graduate applicants and includes Express Entry candidates, all of whom required a SIRS score of at least 83.

SIRS is similar to the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) but is only used for British Columbia’s PNP.

Skills-based immigration in British Columbia includes five streams designed for people with a range of skills and experience. Four of these streams also have an BC Express Entry option. The fifth stream is open to entry-level and semi-qualified candidates, This means they do not have work experience in a NOC code that is eligible for Express Entry.

The province has also hosted invitations for candidates working in the following professions:

• 29 early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214) with scores of at least 60 points;
• 20 healthcare workers from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, including Express Entry category, with scores of at least 60 points and;
• Other priority occupations, with scores of at least 60.

Saskatchewan PNP Draw

The first Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) draw for 2023 was conducted on February 16.

The province has invited 177 applicants for the Express Entry stream and 243 for the Occupations in Demand stream. Candidates from both streams required a minimum score of 84.

The province has also invited an applicant whose country of residence is Ukraine as a special measure in response to the crisis in Ukraine.  This makes 468 invitations issued.

Prince Edward Island PNP Draw

On February 16, Prince Edward Island invited 222 applicants through the Labour and Express Entry stream of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program. Six applicants were also invited by the contractor holding a work permit with a minimum threshold of 70 points.

Express Entry applicants seeking to be nominated by PEI must submit a separate Expression of Interest (EOI) to the PEI PNP.

EOI profiles score according to the PEI points grid, and like the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply through monthly draws.