British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island invite candidates in most recent PNP draws

British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island have issued invitations to apply to candidates through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) this week. Canadian provinces and territories (except for Quebec and Nunavut) operate their own PNPs. Interested candidates may be invited to apply for provincial nomination through these programs. Those who receive provincial nomination may have an advantage toward gaining permanent residence.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) accounts for over 105,000 PR admissions per year. It began in 1998 and the annual number of PNP admissions has since increased steadily. Both federal and provincial governments consider it an effective tool to promote economic development outside of urban centers. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration More recently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held two Express Entry draws this month, including a draw this week, in which only PNP candidates received ITAs.

PNP’s allow individual provinces to target candidates who have the necessary skills and education to help with local labour shortages and contribute to provincial economies.

Provincial immigration results February 11-February 17 British Columbia British Columbia invited more than 232 candidates to apply for provincial nomination on February 14. The province invited 183 candidates in a draw targeted for tech occupations. The invitations were issued to candidates in the Skilled Worker and International Graduates categories and included Express Entry candidates, all of which required a minimum SIRS score of 83.

SIRS is similar to the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) but is only used for British Columbia’s PNP. Skills immigration in BC is comprised of five streams designed for people with a variety of skills and experience. Four of these streams also have an Express Entry BC option. The fifth stream is for Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled candidates, meaning they do not have work experience within an NOC code that is eligible for Express Entry.

The province also held rounds of invitations for candidates working in the following occupations: 29 early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214) with scores of at least 60 points; 20 healthcare workers from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, including Express Entry category, with scores of at least 60 points and; Other priority occupations, with scores of at least 60.

Saskatchewan The first Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) draw for 2023 took place on February 16. The province invited 177 candidates under the Express Entry stream, and 243 under Occupations-In-Demand stream. Candidates from both streams required a minimum score of 84.

The province also invited one candidate whose country of residence is Ukraine as a special measure in response to the crisis in Ukraine.

This makes 468 invitations issued. Prince Edward Island On February 16, Prince Edward Island invited 222 candidates through the Labour and Express Entry stream of the PEI PNP. There were also six candidates invited through the Business Work Permit Entrepreneur with a minimum point threshold of 70. Express Entry candidates who wish to be nominated by PEI must submit a separate Expression of Interest (EOI) to the PEI PNP.

EOI profiles are awarded a score based on PEI’s points grid and, like the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply through monthly draws.