Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island have issued invitations to apply to candidates through their Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) this week.
Although provincial nomination is not in itself the same as a permanent residence, it can act as the first step towards gaining permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Most Canadian provinces and territories (with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut) operate their own Provincial Nomination Programs. Through these programs, interested candidates may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Quebec’s immigration programs are administered by the province and are distinct from Canada’s immigration programs.
The PNP accounts for 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.
Provincial immigration results December 17-December 23
Ontario
Ontario issued 936 letters of interest on December 19 to candidates in the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream who had work experience in targeted tech occupations.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) targeted candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 484-490. The number of letters issued is not immediately known.
Candidates must already be in the Express Entry pool under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
British Columbia
British Columbia issued 153 invitations to apply to candidates in a targeted tech draw on December 20.
The invitations were issued to candidates in the Skilled Worker and International Graduates categories and included Express Entry candidates.
Candidates required a minimum SIRS score of 90. SIRS acts much like the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) but is only used for British Columbia’s PNP.
The province also held rounds of invitations for candidates working in the following occupations.
- 15 early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214) with scores of at least 60 points;
- 5 healthcare workers from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, including Express Entry category, with scores of at least 60 points.Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan held its most recent draw under Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), on December 21.
The province invited 153 candidates under the Express Entry stream, and 315 under Occupations-In-Demand stream for a total of 468 invitations issued. Candidates from both categories required scores of 80.
Prince Edward Island
On December 15, Prince Edward Island invited 127 candidates through the Labour and Express Entry stream of the PEI PNP. There were also seven candidates invited through the Business Work Permit Entrepreneur with minimum point thresholds of 62.
This brings the total number of candidates invited by the province so far in 2022 to 1,854.
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.
