In the latest round of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, British Columbia and Manitoba have chosen candidates for potential permanent residency. This process is a result of the collaboration between federal and provincial governments in managing immigration. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allocates a specific number of nominations to each province annually, empowering them to invite candidates who align with the local workforce and economy.
For instance, Alberta has already issued 6,527 nominations out of its 9,750 allocation for 2023 by August 9. Until this year, provinces received yearly allocations, but a shift occurred as IRCC introduced a multi-year provincial immigration levels plan in March. This change allows provinces to anticipate the number of newcomers they can nominate and plan essential resources like housing, education, and healthcare more effectively.
Let’s dive into the results for August 4-11:
British Columbia: On August 9, British Columbia extended invitations to 195 candidates for provincial nomination.
The province conducted three draws. The largest was a general draw encompassing candidates in categories such as Skilled Workers, International Graduates, Entry-Level, and Semi-Skilled, including those in the Express Entry pool.
Skilled Workers needed a minimum score of 107, International Graduates required 110, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled candidates aimed for a score of 88. These scores are evaluated using the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), akin to the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The remaining two draws targeted skilled workers and international graduates solely, within the Express Entry pool. The province invited:
- 34 early childhood educators and assistants
- 22 candidates in healthcare occupations Applicants for both draws required a minimum SIRS score of 60.
Manitoba: On August 10, Manitoba issued 615 Expressions of Interest.
The province initiated four separate draws across three categories. The most extensive draw targeted occupation-specific candidates within the Skilled Worker in Manitoba category, inviting 249 applicants with a minimum score of 605. Manitoba considered two occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups:
- 94 – Machine operators, assemblers, and inspectors in processing, manufacturing, and printing
- 95 – Labourers in processing, manufacturing, and utilities An additional 279 skilled workers received invitations in a general (non-occupation specific) draw, necessitating a minimum score of 647.
The remaining two draws invited 47 candidates from the International Education stream and 40 from the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, with a minimum score of 708.
This ongoing PNP activity reflects the dynamic collaboration between federal and provincial entities, fostering a well-coordinated approach to immigration that benefits both newcomers and the provinces they choose to call home.
