Five Canadian provinces are actively inviting candidates to apply through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs play a crucial role in Canada’s immigration system, allowing provinces to select candidates who meet their specific economic and demographic needs.
Here’s an overview of recent provincial immigration updates:
Ontario
Ontario conducted an Express Entry draw on September 7, inviting 300 candidates through the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Candidates in this draw had Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores ranging from 308 to 434.
This was a general draw, meaning candidates from various occupations could be invited as long as they met the language proficiency requirements, including a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 6 in English and CLB level 7 or higher in French.
Quebec
Quebec held a draw on August 24, inviting 1,000 candidates from a range of targeted occupations for permanent selection. Candidates needed a minimum score of 584 and had to demonstrate at least a level 7 oral proficiency in French. Job offers outside of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal were also considered.
British Columbia
British Columbia conducted three draws on September 6, inviting a total of 222 candidates through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The majority, 160 candidates, were invited in a general draw for Skilled Workers, International Graduates, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled candidates. Their invitations were based on their Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) scores, ranging from 89 to 110, depending on the stream.
Additionally, two specialized draws invited 43 early childhood educators and assistants, as well as 19 healthcare workers, with a minimum SIRS score requirement of 60.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick invited 259 candidates through the New Brunswick Express Entry program in July, with results released recently. These invitations were distributed across three streams of the NB PNP: NB Employment Connection, NB Student Connection, and NB Occupations in Demand Connection.
Alberta
Alberta invited 18 Express Entry candidates on August 29 through the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offers. These candidates needed a CRS score of 300 or higher.
August was particularly active for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), with eight separate draws and 883 Express Entry candidates invited.
These provincial immigration programs continue to play a significant role in Canada’s immigration landscape, providing diverse pathways for candidates to obtain permanent residency in specific provinces based on their skills, experience, and local labor market needs.
