In Canada, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) plays a crucial role in selecting economic immigration candidates who are likely to contribute to the local labor force and economy of nominating provinces. Recently, three Canadian provinces – British Columbia (BC), Alberta, and Prince Edward Island (PEI) – have nominated candidates through their respective PNPs. Let’s explore these PNP nominations and their significance for immigration to Canada.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Established in 1998, the PNP allows provincial governments to nominate candidates for economic immigration. While candidates nominated by a province still need to apply separately to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent resident status, a provincial nomination offers several advantages, especially for those in the federal Express Entry pool.
One significant benefit is the additional 600 points awarded through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) when an Express Entry candidate receives a provincial nomination. These extra points almost guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in an upcoming round of invitations, making PNPs a valuable pathway for immigration to Canada.
Recent Provincial Nominations
British Columbia (BC)
Date of Draw: October 4
BC regularly invites candidates through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). In the latest draw, 110 candidates received invitations. Unlike targeted draws, this was a general draw, meaning no specific occupations were singled out.
The minimum CRS score requirements varied by program stream:
- Skilled Worker stream: 111 points
- International Graduates: 113 points
- Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled candidates: 91 points
Additionally, BC conducted three more draws for candidates in the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams. In these draws, a minimum CRS score of 60 was required, resulting in invitations for candidates in early childhood education, healthcare, and other priority occupations.
Alberta
Date of Draw: October 3
Alberta nominated 33 candidates through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). All candidates selected were part of the Priority sector – Agriculture occupation with an Alberta job offer category, and they were also Express Entry candidates. To receive a nomination, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 313.
This draw marked an innovative approach with category-based selection rounds focusing on Agriculture and Agri-food work experience. This aligns with PNPs across Canada and helps the federal government streamline economic immigration to meet urgent job vacancies.
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Date of Draw: October 5
PEI invited 20 candidates through the Labour and Express Entry category of the PEI PNP. All candidates were employed in the healthcare and food processing sectors. PEI has been conducting targeted draws since July, focusing on candidates in healthcare, food processing, manufacturing, construction, and undefined critical worker categories.
These nominations reflect the province’s efforts to address specific labor market needs through its PNP.
The Significance of Provincial Nominations
Provincial nominations play a pivotal role in Canada’s immigration system, aligning federal and provincial efforts to meet economic and labor force demands. For candidates, receiving a provincial nomination significantly enhances their CRS score, virtually ensuring an ITA in Express Entry draws.
These recent nominations demonstrate the continued commitment of provinces like BC, Alberta, and PEI to welcome skilled immigrants who can contribute to their local economies and communities. As Canada remains a top destination for immigrants worldwide, the PNP continues to be a vital pathway for those seeking to make Canada their new home.
