Five of Canada’s provinces have invited candidates to apply for provincial immigration programs this week.
Provinces nominate economic immigration candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Receiving a PNP nomination means that a candidate has a stronger application when they apply to Immigration Citizenship and Refugees Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
Several pathways exist within the PNP that candidates may be eligible for depending on their attributes. For example, most provinces have pathways for international student graduates or for candidates who already have a job offer in Canada.
Provinces can select and nominate a specific number of economic immigrants each year because the provinces and IRCC share responsibility for immigration in Canada. Provincial governments can select the candidates who are best suited to the local economy and workforce and easily integrate.
All provinces and territories participate in the PNP except Quebec and Nunavut. Quebec has a separate agreement with the federal government that allows it total autonomy over the selection of its economic immigrants. However, IRCC still makes the final decision about permanent residency for those selected by Quebec.
The overall target for PNP permanent resident admissions is set out in the annual Immigration Levels Plan. Canada will admit 110,000 newcomers through the PNP in 2024 and 120,000 each year in both 2024 and 2025. IRCC then breaks these targets down and divides them among the provinces based on population and economic need.
Provincial immigration results December 9-15
Ontario
On December 14 Ontario invited 2,359 candidates through the Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Candidates all had profiles in the Express Entry application pool and had a Comprehensive Ranking System score in the range of 473- 480.
The draw targeted candidates in the following tech occupations.
Computer and information systems managers
- Data Scientists
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Business system analysts
- Information systems specialists
- Database analysts and data administrators
- Computer systems developers and programmers
- Software engineers and designers
- Software developers and programmers
- Web designers
- Web developers and programmers
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- Computer network technicians
- User support technicians
- Information systems testing technicians
British Columbia
On December 12, British Columbia invited more than 192 candidates in through five draws within the BC PNP.
The largest draw invited 73 candidates and did not target any specific occupation. Candidates from the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams needed a score of 116 to be considered. Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled candidates needed a score of 95.
The remaining four draws were targeted at candidates in specific occupations. This included 31 candidates in construction occupations with a minimum score of 75. Candidates in the remaining three draws needed a score of 60.
Early childhood educators and assistants: 61
Healthcare occupations: 27
Other priority occupations: less than 5
Quebec
Quebec has released the results of a December 7 draw for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
The province invited 1,187 people to apply for permanent selection in a general draw, meaning no occupations or other human capital attributes were targeted. They required a minimum score of 604 to be considered.
Those who received an invitation can then apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate and then apply to IRCC for permanent residency.
Manitoba
Manitoba held three draws of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) on December 14.
The province invited 160 Skilled Workers in Manitoba who had completed their post-secondary education in the province. Candidates needed a minimum score of 774. Candidates in this category indicated that they or their spouse completed their post-secondary education in Manitoba.
It also invited 62 candidates from the International Education stream.
Finally, 61 candidates from the Skilled Worker Overseas category received invitations. These candidates required a minimum score of 714.
Alberta
Alberta recently published the results of a draw for 19 Express Entry candidates who met the criteria of the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. They required a CRS score of 300 and above to be considered.
The province estimates that processing time for applications will be up to three months.
