Here is a look at Canada’s most recent provincial immigration draws.
Two Canadian provinces released their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw results this past week, and Quebec held a recent draw through Arrima.
Most Canadian provinces and territories (with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut) operate their own PNPs. Through these programs, interested candidates may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Although provincial nomination is not in itself the same as a permanent residence, it can significantly increase the chances of obtaining permanent resident status. For instance, PNP candidates with Express Entry profiles who receive a nomination get 600 points added to their score. They also become eligible to be invited to apply for a PNP-specific round of invitations.
In 1998, when it was launched, the PNP welcomed only 400 immigrants, but due to its success, it now welcomes more than 80,000 per year. The increase in the number of PNP admissions in Canada is due to the fact that the federal and provincial governments consider it an effective tool to promote the economic development of the country.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
Quebec has more autonomy over its immigration system than any other province, and so it does not participate in the PNP.
People who want to immigrate through the province’s immigration system typically need to submit a profile to an expression of interest pool, called Arrima. Provincial officials then invite candidates whose profiles fit the criteria for an immigration program. Invited candidates apply for a provincial nomination or a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) in Quebec.
Here are the PNP results from this past week, along with the details of Quebec’s most recent Arrima draw.
Quebec
On May 5, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) invited 30 candidates to apply for a permanent selection under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).
Candidates had to have profiles in the Arrima Expression of Interest system with scores and they had a valid job offer outside of the Montreal Metropolitan area.
British Columbia
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held its weekly round of invitations on May 17. More than 175 BC immigration candidates received invitations to apply for a provincial nomination.
A total of 154 of these candidates were invited through a general draw. Candidates who received invitations in this draw were from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled subcategories and needed a minimum provincial score between 77 and 123.
The province also held three separate draws for candidates in targeted occupations. A total of 21 early childhood educators who may qualify for the Skilled Worker and International Graduate sub-categories were invited. BC also invited an unspecified number of healthcare professionals who may be eligible for the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, or the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled sub-categories. In all of these draws, candidates needed a minimum provincial score of 62.
Prince Edward Island
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) invited a total of 153 immigration candidates on May 20.
Express Entry and Labour Impact candidates received the most invitations, with a combined total of 137. The remaining 16 invitations went to Business Impact candidates who had provincial scores of at least 62 points.
PEI holds about one draw per month and releases its schedule for the year in advance.
