In Canada, immigration is a joint responsibility of the federal and provincial governments. One of the key programs under this partnership is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Its purpose is to select candidates who are best suited to establish themselves economically in their chosen province. This article explores the recent developments in Canada’s provincial immigration programs, highlighting opportunities and changes in various provinces.
Provincial Nominee Programs: Filling Labor Shortages
Most PNPs offer streams that specifically target candidates in high-demand occupations such as healthcare, agriculture, and technology. These sectors are experiencing labor shortages, and provinces are actively seeking skilled professionals to address these gaps. By attracting candidates with relevant work experience, PNPs contribute to the economic growth of the provinces.
Federal-Level Category-Based Selection Draws
Following the success of PNPs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has adopted a similar approach on a federal level. The IRCC now conducts category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates. For example, on June 28, the IRCC invited the first 500 Express Entry candidates with healthcare occupations. It is expected that an additional 1,500 candidates will be invited on July 5, alongside a draw for candidates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations.
Quebec’s Unique Approach
Unlike other provinces, Quebec does not have a PNP. Instead, it has a separate agreement with the federal government that allows the province to independently select all its immigrants. Recently, Quebec proposed changes to its provincial immigration criteria, including a requirement for newcomers to have strong French-speaking abilities upon arrival.
Breakdown of the provincial immigration results for the week of June 23-29:
Quebec
On June 22, the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration invited 1,006 skilled workers to apply for permanent selection in Quebec. These candidates were required to have a minimum score of 626 and a level 7 oral proficiency (or higher) in French according to the Quebec scale of French proficiency levels for adult immigrants. Candidates with job offers outside the territory of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal were also considered.
Alberta
Alberta conducted three draws under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) between June 20 and June 22. In the June 20 draw, 68 notifications of interest (NOIs) were sent to candidates in the Priority sector, specifically those in the Construction occupation with an Alberta job offer stream. The lowest eligible Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 301.
On June 21, 19 NOIs were issued to candidates in the Designated Healthcare Pathway, Alberta job offer stream. The lowest-scoring candidate had a CRS score of 318. Finally, on June 22, Alberta sent NOIs to 125 candidates in the Family connection and primary occupation in demand stream, with a minimum CRS score of 306. Candidates in this stream must have work experience in an occupation in demand and have family members living in the province.
British Columbia
British Columbia conducts weekly draws on Tuesdays. On June 27, the province invited over 180 candidates through four draws. The largest draw encompassed a wide range of occupations, including tech occupations. Among the selected candidates were 130 from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled streams. The minimum Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) scores varied, ranging from 109 for International Graduates to 106 for Skilled Workers and 87 for Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled candidates. The remaining three draws targeted specific occupations, such as early childhood educators and assistants, healthcare professionals, and other priority occupations.
Manitoba
Manitoba invited 49 individuals under a special measure for Ukrainians impacted by ongoing unrest. Invited candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of the Skilled Workers Overseas pathway of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) and fulfill additional specific criteria. These include being a citizen of Ukraine, having a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 in each language band, establishing a connection to Manitoba through family, previous employment, or studies, providing a valid language test, scoring at least 60 points according to MPNP assessment criteria, and meeting all other requirements of the Skilled Worker Overseas pathway, including sufficient settlement funds. The province also allows eligible CUAET holders who have worked in Manitoba for at least six months in any occupation to apply through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway.
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
On June 29, Prince Edward Island invited 90 candidates to apply under its Labour and Express Entry categories. This smallest Canadian province usually holds draws approximately every two weeks, primarily focusing on candidates with a local job offer or those who graduated from a PEI institution, as well as candidates in the Express Entry pool.
Conclusion
Canada’s provincial immigration programs, in partnership with the federal government, offer excellent opportunities for skilled professionals to immigrate to and settle in different provinces. The PNPs and federal-level selection draws aim to address labor shortages in key sectors and support economic growth. Prospective candidates should closely monitor the specific eligibility criteria and recent updates from each province to maximize their chances of successful immigration to Canada.
