This week witnessed significant developments in Canada’s immigration landscape as British Columbia and Saskatchewan conducted draws under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), accompanied by crucial updates from Alberta on its PNP. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the nomination results, program streams, invitation quantities, cut-off scores, and more.
British Columbia (BCPNP): Targeted Draws for Specific Occupations
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) orchestrated three focused draws under the “Skilled Worker International Graduate” stream, which includes the Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) option.
- Tech Occupations Draw:
- Invitations: 104 ITAs
- Occupation Focus: Professional experience in Tech occupations
- Minimum Score: 94
- Childcare Professions Draw:
- Invitations: 61 ITAs
- Occupation Focus: Early childhood educators and assistants
- Minimum Score: 60
- Healthcare Professions Draw:
- Invitations: 25 ITAs
- Occupation Focus: Professionals with experience in Healthcare professions
- Minimum Score: 60
BC’s strategic draws align with federal and provincial priorities, emphasizing in-demand occupations for Express Entry and PNPs, offering priority to candidates with professional experience in these targeted sectors.
Saskatchewan (SINP): Two Draws and Expansion of Eligibility
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) held two draws on October 23rd:
- Occupations-In-Demand Draw:
- Invitations: 40 candidates
- Minimum Score: 84
- Express Entry-aligned Draw:
- Invitations: 59 candidates
- Minimum Score: 84
Saskatchewan’s recent policy update expanded eligibility for candidates in intermediate and lower-skilled positions through the Existing Work Permit stream, allowing individuals in over 270 new occupations to apply for permanent residence in the province.
Alberta’s PNP (AAIP): Progress Update and Future Projections
Alberta provided insights into its PNP, the Atlantic Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP):
- Invitations: 9,200 candidates invited as of November 7th, 2023
- Annual Allocation: 9,750 immigration candidates (on track to meet by year-end)
- Allocation Breakdown: More than half for non-Express Entry streams, with re-allocated spots boosting the Alberta Opportunity Stream and Rural Renewal Stream.
Alberta, a rapidly growing province, anticipates annual immigrant allocations exceeding 10,000 immigrants in 2024 and 2025.
PNP’s Growing Role in Canadian Immigration
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is increasingly taking center stage in Canada’s immigration landscape. Originating in 1998, the program is poised to become Canada’s primary pathway for economic immigrants by 2025. This shift underscores the government’s commitment to directing immigration to areas with a greater need for newcomers. Aspiring immigrants are encouraged to explore both federal and provincial pathways, recognizing the growing prominence of the latter in Canada’s immigration efforts.
