The Provincial Nominee Program of Canada plays a highly important role in the fulfillment of the labor market needs of the provinces and can add to the strength of local economies through skilled workers.
As part of the previous week, two most significant provincial programs British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) released candidates with invitations, marking several milestones on one’s road to Canadian permanent residency.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program?
This is what the PNP, launched in 1998, refers to. The PNP allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate people for permanent residency based on their abilities and the ability to meet local economic needs. Shared immigration responsibility with the federal government can help provinces ensure that immigration benefits reach every corner of the country in support of regional economic growth.
A provincial nomination, per se, does not lead to permanent residency. However, it significantly improves prospects for the candidate. For example, participants who are already in the Express Entry system receive an additional 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System with a nomination. This would predispose them to almost definite invitation to apply for permanent residency in the future Express Entry draws.
Ontario Immigration: 1,307 Invitations Issued
The OINP, which stands for Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, released 1,307 invitations through the Express Entry Skilled Trades stream as of October 17, 2024. The stream was open to those candidates having relevant work experience in NOC codes 632, 633 and 634 and with a CRS score between 405 and 435.
The OINP continues to be a sought-after destination for skilled workers, most importantly because of the province’s demand for tradespeople in industries that include construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Ontario is issuing invitations to candidates in the Skilled Trades stream to fill labor gaps in its booming industries. Full details about accepted NOC codes and specific professions can be found on the OINP website.
British Columbia PNP: Two Separate Draws
A day earlier, on October 16, 2024, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) held two rounds of invitations, extending invitations to more than 190 candidates.
General Draw
In the first draw, 102 invitations were issued across multiple streams. This draw targeted skilled workers, international graduates, and entry-level and semi-skilled workers, with a minimum score of 127 required for most streams. The breakdown for the general draw was as follows:
Stream | Minimum Score |
Skilled worker | 127 |
Skilled worker – Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) option | 127 |
International graduate | 127 |
International graduate – EEBC option | 127 |
Entry-level and semi-skilled | 110 |
Targeted Draws
British Columbia conducted targeted draws specific to sectors with labor shortages apart from the general draw. It issued invitations to 92 professionals in child care, construction, health care, and veterinary care, with a minimum score ranging from 80 to 99. This is part of draws to support crucial industries to the economy of the province and to fill jobs that demand qualified professionals.
Here’s a summary of the targeted draws:
Industry | Minimum Score | Number of Invitations |
Childcare | 83 | 38 |
Construction | 89 | 21 |
Healthcare | 99 | 28 |
Veterinary care | 80 | <5 |
These targeted draws are part of British Columbia’s efforts to meet the province’s labor market demands, particularly in industries where shortages are most acute. The BCPNP remains a valuable tool for attracting skilled workers who can contribute to the province’s growth.
Newfoundland & Labrador Approaching Maximum Nominee Allocation
Newfoundland and Labrador is fast running out of space for their allocation to PNP this year. On 8th October, the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills of the province reported that it had nearly used up all its provincial nomination slots in 2024.
In all, there are 82 PNPs across Canada, and they have minimum federal requirements that are different. The amount of permanent residents to be admitted through the PNPs is determined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada every year. The number allocated to each participating province in the PNPs depends on its size and the particular labor market needs that are required to be addressed..
Prioritizing Critical Sectors
New processing allocations for the remainder of the year will go towards Newfoundland and Labrador, as it utilizes its allocation towards 2024. The sector includes health care, early learning, and construction. Non-priority applications receive less, as it is relegated to review before the end of the year, up to early next year.
In response, the immigration department said that it will start anew in January 2025 to remind applicants that the standard for processing Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) stands at 25 days.
What This Means for Candidates
These updates are material to those in Canada who would be contemplating immigration to the country. Provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, and Newfoundland & Labrador, are urgently searching for skilled workers in sectors facing labor shortages. They want to make sure that their economies can continue to grow and thrive.
The PNP is a strong pathway to obtaining permanent residency for any candidate interested in getting a provincial nomination. A nomination will add important CRS points to an Express Entry profile, significantly enhancing the prospects of getting an ITA for permanent residence. Considering that demand from various sectors is high in Canada at the present, this is probably the best time to think about your options and determine whether you qualify for provincial nomination.
That’s all for this week’s PNP updates, taking into account Canada’s commitment to continue its reliance on immigration to boost local economies. It is through the Ontario Skilled Trades stream and targeted draws of British Columbia, or strategic labor-shortage sector focus of Newfoundland and Labrador that the PNP continues to offer critical opportunities for the skilled immigrants looking to make Canada their home.
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