The governments of Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia encouraged qualified applicants to apply through their Provincial Nominee Programs last week (PNPs). It’s crucial to remember that each province and territory in Canada runs its own PNP (except for Quebec and Nunavut). Via these initiatives, qualified people may be given the chance to submit an application for a provincial nomination. The likelihood of obtaining permanent residency may be higher for those who are nominated by the provincial administration.
According to estimates, the Provincial Nominee Program admits about ten thousand provincial nominees each year to the PR programme (PNP). Since the PNP’s founding in 1998, the quantity of admissions has been rising significantly. The PNP programme has been seen by a number of countries as an efficient strategy for fostering economic growth outside of urban regions.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held two Express Entry drawings this month, one of which solely awarded ITAs to PNP candidates. PNP enables individuals to focus on candidates who have the necessary training and credentials to fill local labour gaps and boost the province’s economy.
Provincial Immigration Results for the Period of February 11–17
British Columbia
More than 232 applicants were invited to apply by British Columbia on February 14. A draw was held for applicants in the categories of Qualified Workers and Foreign Graduates as part of the province’s targeted recruitment for tech jobs, and 183 people were asked to take part. These invitations included Express Entry applicants, who had to meet eligibility requirements with a minimum SIRS score of 83.
The only PNP that makes use of the SIRS ranking system is the British Columbia PNP, in contrast to Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
In BC, there are five different pathways for skilled immigration. There are opportunities for Fast Entry BC in four of these streams. Candidates who lack work experience in an Express Entry NOC code and are entry-level or semi-skilled are the focus of a fifth stream.
- 29 early childhood educators and helpers must receive a minimum of 60 points (NOC 4214)
- Candidates must receive at least 60 points in the Express Entry category for Skilled Worker, International Graduate.
- 60 or more on the other priority vocations test.
Saskatchewan
On February 16, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) held its first draw for the year 2023. For both the Expedited Entry and the Occupations-In-Demand streams, candidates needed a minimum score of 84.
The province invited a Ukrainian candidate in reaction to the turmoil in that country.
Prince Edward Island
On February 16, PEI sent invitations to 222 applicants via the PEI PNP’s Fast Entry and Labor streams. The Entrepreneur Program for Business Work Permits also invited six candidates. Express Entry candidates are needed to submit a separate Expression of Interest (EOI) to the PEI PNP. On the basis of PEI’s points system, EOI profiles are given a score, and the top applicants are asked to apply via monthly lotteries.
