Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia have released results for their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) this week.
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 obtaining permanent resident status for eligible candidates by maximizing your CRS score. 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.
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Following its launch in 1998, 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.
Express Entry draws are held every two weeks. After a long pause, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is now once again holding all-program Express Entry draws.
The first all-program draw since 2020 was held on July 6. Draws have continued on a bi-weekly basis and the most recent Express Entry draw was held on August 31 with 2,750 invitations issued with a minimum CRS of 516.
PNP draw results August 26- September 1
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan held its largest draw of 2022 on September 1. The province invited a total of 941 candidates from Express Entry and Occupations-In-Demand categories through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).
The province invited 312 candidates from the Express Entry category and 629 from the Occupations-In-Demand category. The minimum Expression of Interest score in both categories was 61. All candidates invited had Educational Credential Assessments.
In July the province held four draws, inviting over 200 candidates each time and has held draws each week throughout August, typically inviting over 600 candidates. Until July, Saskatchewan held draws only every two months.
Ontario
On August 30 Ontario invited 680 candidates through the Masters Graduate Stream and 101 candidates through the PhD Graduate Stream as part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Ontario consistently welcomes the highest number of newcomers in Canada, up to one third of all newcomers each year.
This is the first draw for both these streams since June 1. Candidates in the Masters Graduate Stream had scores of 37 and above and applied between August 30, 2021, and August 30, 2022. PhD Graduate Stream candidates who applied over the same period had minimum scores of 26 and above.
British Columbia
More than 254 candidates were invited to apply for provincial nomination in British Columbia on August 30. BC typically holds a provincial nomination draw each week.
Most candidates, 207, were invited in a targeted draw for tech occupations. The invitations were issued to candidates in the Skilled Worker and International Graduates categories and included Express Entry candidates. The draw also included Entry Level and Semi-Skilled candidates.
The minimum SIRS score for the targeted regional draw ranged between 95 for Skilled Workers with Express Entry to 60 for Entry Level and Semi-Skilled candidates. 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.
- 29 early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214) with scores of at least 60 points; and
- 13 healthcare workers with scores of at least 60 points
- Five healthcare assistants with scores of at least 60 points
- Other priority occupations with scores of at least 60 points
Manitoba
Manitoba held its most recent PNP draw on August 26 and issued 353 invitations through the Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program.
The invitations were divided across three immigration streams:
- Skilled Workers in Manitoba issued 259 invitations with a minimum score of 619
- Skilled Workers Overseas issued 58 invitations with a minimum score of 708
- International Education Stream issued 36 invitations with no score requirement.
Out of all who were invited to apply, 79 had profiles in the Express Entry system.
