In the latest round of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, three Canadian provinces—Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba—have extended invitations to immigration candidates, continuing their efforts to attract skilled workers and international graduates.
Canada’s immigration framework operates as a shared responsibility between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and provincial governments. While most provinces and territories participate in the PNP, Quebec manages its own immigration programs under a separate agreement with the federal government, allowing it full control over the selection of its economic immigrants.
Provinces receive a set number of nominations from the IRCC, which they can distribute to candidates applying for economic immigration. The allocation of these nominations varies based on factors such as a province’s population size and labor market needs. For instance, Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, receives the highest number of nominations.
Under the Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026, the IRCC has set a goal of welcoming 110,000 new permanent residents through the PNP in 2024.
It’s important to note that receiving a provincial nomination is distinct from receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency from IRCC. These are two separate processes that require individual applications.
Provincial Immigration Results: August 24-30
Ontario
On August 22, Ontario issued 1,287 notifications of interest to candidates through the Express Entry Skilled Trades stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Candidates needed to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 400 and 435 to be eligible. Additionally, they were required to have work experience in specific occupations classified under a targeted National Occupation Classification (NOC) code.
British Columbia
British Columbia invited over 158 candidates through its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) on August 27. These invitations were issued to Skilled Worker and International Graduate candidates, including those under the Express Entry British Columbia stream.
The province conducted five targeted draws focused on specific occupations. The minimum scores required varied across the draws, with the results as follows:
- 40 candidates in childcare occupations, with a minimum score of 83
- 31 candidates in construction occupations, with a minimum score of 88
- 18 candidates in healthcare occupations, with a minimum score of 99
- 69 candidates in tech occupations, with a minimum score of 118
- Fewer than five candidates in veterinary care occupations, with a minimum score of 80
Manitoba
On August 30, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued invitations to 150 candidates across two PNP streams.
The province invited 126 candidates from the International Education stream, with no minimum score reported. Additionally, 24 candidates were invited from the Skilled Worker Overseas stream under a Strategic Recruitment Initiative, requiring a minimum score of 727.
Among all invitations, 21 were issued to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles.
