Three Canadian provinces have recently extended invitations to candidates seeking immigration through their provincial programs, marking significant opportunities for those looking to settle in Canada. Ontario and British Columbia have made these invitations under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), while Quebec continues to utilize its unique immigration system.
Understanding Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) was launched in 1998 to distribute the benefits of immigration across Canada, especially in regions that traditionally saw fewer newcomers. Through this program, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) collaborates with provincial governments to nominate candidates most likely to contribute to their local economies.
While a provincial nomination does not automatically grant permanent resident status, it significantly strengthens a candidate’s application. For instance, Express Entry candidates who receive a provincial nomination gain an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – September 17-19 Draws
Ontario’s recent draws under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) reflect its commitment to attracting skilled talent. On September 17, the province invited candidates in the Master’s Graduate and PhD Graduate streams:
- Master’s Graduate Stream: 1,249 invitations issued, minimum score: 53
- PhD Graduate Stream: 194 invitations issued, minimum score: 45
On September 19, another draw targeted candidates in the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream with a focus on “other priority occupations.” A total of 1,424 candidates were invited, requiring a CRS score between 505 and 528.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – September 17 Draw
British Columbia continues to be a top destination for immigrants, as reflected in the latest BC PNP draw on September 17. The province invited over 163 candidates from various streams:
- General Draw: Included candidates from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled streams. Minimum scores required:
- Skilled Worker and International Graduate: 128
- Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled: 110
In addition to the general draw, BC held three targeted draws for specific occupations:
- Childcare Occupations: 43 invitations, minimum score: 83
- Construction Occupations: 29 invitations, minimum score: 89
- Healthcare Occupations: 29 invitations, minimum score: 99
Quebec Skilled Worker Program – September 5 Draw Results
Quebec, which operates independently from the PNP, published results for its September 5 draw under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). The province invited 1,417 candidates to apply for permanent selection, with a minimum required score of 575 points. Additionally, all candidates needed to demonstrate a level 7 oral proficiency (or higher) in French according to Quebec’s official language scale.
Notably, candidates with job offers outside the territory of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal were also considered, highlighting Quebec’s focus on regional economic development.
Discover Your Eligibility for Canadian Immigration
Canada’s provincial immigration programs offer diverse pathways for skilled workers, graduates, and other qualified candidates to establish themselves in the country. With ongoing invitations from provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, now is an opportune time to explore your options. A provincial nomination can significantly boost your chances of obtaining permanent residency, particularly if you’re an Express Entry candidate.
Find out if you’re eligible for Canadian immigration today with Skynet Immigration. Our team of experts, led by Salekur Rahman, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), is here to guide you through every step of the process. From initial assessment to final application, we ensure a seamless journey towards your new life in Canada.
