This week, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan have issued invitations to apply to skilled worker candidates through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
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 act as the first step towards gaining permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Quebec’s immigration programs are administered by the province and are distinct from Canada’s immigration programs. Quebec is the only province that has control over all economic class immigrants.
The PNP is responsible for over 105,000 PR admissions to Canada per year. It began in 1998 and has steadily increased the number of PNP admissions each year because the federal and provincial governments consider it an effective tool to promote the economic development of the country outside of the provinces and urban centres with already high immigrant populations.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
Provincial immigration results November 4-11
Nova Scotia
On November 8, Nova Scotia issued letters of interest to candidates through the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream for the first time since February.
Nova Scotia’s office of immigration has not responded to requests for the number of letters issued but has released the criteria for receiving one. Candidates must meet the baseline of eligibility as follows:
- Have selected French as their first official language and have a Canadian Language Benchmark score of 10 or higher in French in all language abilities.
- Have English as a second official language with a Canadian Language Benchmark score of 7 or higher in English in all language abilities.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree OR have completed a program of three or more years at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute.
Candidates who decided to apply to province after receiving their letter must include copies of both language tests and proof of education, including an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan issued 35 invitations to apply through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) on November 8.
The province invited 21 candidates from the Express Entry category and 10 from the Occupations-In-Demand category. The minimum Expression of Interest score in both categories was 69. All candidates invited had Educational Credential Assessments.
The province also invited four candidates who currently reside in Ukraine, as a measure in response to the current conflict.
This is the first SINP draw since September 28. Many provinces have paused their PNP draws in anticipation of NOC 2021, in which the current National Occupational Classification system will be updated to reflect a new method of classification for skilled workers who wish to come to Canada under an Express Entry program.
