Provincial immigration programs play a vital role in Canada’s overall immigration strategy, allowing provinces and territories to select candidates who meet their specific labor market and economic needs. Recently, three provinces—British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan—conducted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, inviting candidates to apply for permanent residency. These draws not only provide opportunities for skilled workers and entrepreneurs but also contribute to the development and growth of these provinces. Let’s delve into the details of the recent PNP draws and the provincial immigration results for June 3-9.
British Columbia:
British Columbia, a province known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and thriving industries, is a popular destination for immigrants seeking to settle in Canada. On June 8, 2023, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held its weekly draw, inviting a total of 365 candidates to apply for provincial nomination. The candidates were selected through various BC PNP categories, including Skills Immigration (SI) and Express Entry BC (EEBC).
Under the SI category, a total of 333 invitations were issued across different streams. The Skilled Worker category accounted for the majority of invitations, with 147 candidates invited to apply. The International Graduate stream welcomed 126 candidates, and the Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled category invited 60 candidates. Additionally, the EEBC category, which is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, saw 32 candidates receiving invitations.
It is worth noting that some of the candidates invited through the EEBC category may have the potential to receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points at the federal level. Achieving a provincial nomination can significantly boost an applicant’s CRS score, enhancing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in subsequent federal Express Entry draws.
Ontario:
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province and a major economic hub, has been actively inviting skilled workers and entrepreneurs through its Provincial Nominee Program, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). In the latest round of invitations, held on June 2, 2023, the OINP invited a total of 583 candidates to apply for provincial nomination.
The majority of invitations, 381 in total, were issued through the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream. This stream targets foreign workers with a job offer from an Ontario employer. Additionally, 142 invitations were issued through the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream, which enables international students with a job offer to apply for nomination. Furthermore, the OINP invited 60 candidates through the Master’s Graduate Stream and extended invitations to 46 candidates through the Ph.D. Graduate Stream.
The OINP draws play a crucial role in addressing labor market needs in Ontario, supporting employers in the province by providing them with the opportunity to hire skilled foreign workers and retain international graduates who contribute to Ontario’s economy and communities.
Saskatchewan:
Saskatchewan, a province known for its strong agricultural industry and growing sectors such as technology and energy, has been actively inviting candidates through its Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). In its latest draw held on June 7, 2023, the SINP invited a total of 259 candidates to apply for provincial nomination.
The draw focused on the SINP’s Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry streams, both of which cater to skilled workers with work experience in occupations in demand in Saskatchewan. A total of 183 invitations were issued through the Occupation In-Demand stream, while the Express Entry stream saw 76 candidates receiving invitations.
The SINP draws not only attracts skilled workers but also provides an opportunity for international graduates to settle in Saskatchewan. Inviting candidates who possess the skills and experience needed by the province of Saskatchewan, aims to address labour market gaps and foster economic growth.
Provincial Immigration Results: June 3-9
In addition to the PNP draws conducted by British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, several other provinces and territories also held draws and announced their immigration results for the week of June 3-9.
Alberta, for instance, held an Alberta Express Entry draw on June 3, inviting a total of 250 Express Entry candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 301. This draw aimed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to Alberta’s economy and help meet its labor market needs.
Manitoba, through its Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), issued a total of 399 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) in its draw held on June 8. The majority of invitations, 282 in total, were issued through the Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream, while 73 invitations were issued through the Skilled Workers Overseas stream. Additionally, 15 invitations were extended to international graduates through the International Education Stream.
Other provinces and territories, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon, also conducted draws during this period, inviting candidates with various skills and backgrounds to apply for provincial nomination.
Conclusion:
The recent PNP draws held by British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan demonstrate the continued commitment of these provinces to attracting skilled workers and entrepreneurs who can contribute to their labor markets and economies. These draws provide candidates with valuable opportunities to obtain provincial nominations, which can significantly enhance their chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
Moreover, the provincial immigration results for June 3-9 indicate that various provinces and territories across Canada are actively selecting candidates through their respective PNPs. By aligning their immigration programs with local labor market needs, these provinces and territories aim to address skill shortages, promote economic growth, and build vibrant and inclusive communities across the country.
