This Week’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Draws: Ontario and British Columbia

IRCC has been active with the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) draws and this week there have been two - Ontario and British Columbia. The provinces have been holding regular draws to help the province meet labor market needs
PNPs were started in 1998 and it allow provinces and territories to share immigration responsibilities with the federal government. While a provincial nomination does not automatically grant permanent residence by giving the nomination  it significantly improves a candidate's chances  of selection.  There is an adding  of 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in Express Entry. This means that the applicants will be   granted an invitation to apply (ITA) in future federal draws.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Results: October 17, 2024

On October 17, the OINP conducted a draw targeting candidates under the Express Entry: Skilled Trades stream. A total of 1,307 candidates received invitations, with CRS scores ranging from 405 to 435. These candidates were selected based on work experience in specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes. This stream aims to attract skilled workers to fill labor shortages in various industries, supporting Ontario’s economic growth.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) Results: October 16, 2024

The BCPNP held two draws on October 16, issuing over 190 invitations. The first draw was a general selection across several streams, including 

• Skilled Workers, 
• International Graduates,
• Entry Level and Semi-Skilled workers. 

In total, 102 candidates were invited, with minimum scores of 127 for most categories, and 110 for Entry Level and Semi-Skilled workers.
In addition to the general draw, the BCPNP held targeted draws for candidates with professional experience in key industries, such as childcare, construction, healthcare, and veterinary care. These sectors were prioritized to meet pressing labor market demands in British Columbia. The number of invitations and minimum scores varied by occupation, with 38 invitations issued for childcare workers (minimum score: 83), 21 for construction professionals (minimum score: 89), 28 for healthcare workers (minimum score: 99), and fewer than five for veterinary care professionals (minimum score: 80).

What is the update on the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominations?

Newfoundland and Labrador have nearly exhausted its provincial nomination allocation for 2024. The province announced on October 8 that it has used most of its available nominations that means that whatever is left of the year 2024, the province will focus be prioritizing applications from sectors experiencing labor shortages and it will include areas such as healthcare, early learning, and construction.

• As there is a limited nomination capacity the provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador’s will prioritize these applications, while other sectors may experience delays. 
• Applications submitted under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) or the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) will not be processed until 2025 
• The department expects to resume its 25-day processing timeline for the NLPNP in January 2025.

These draws highlight the critical role that PNPs play in meeting the labor needs of Canadian provinces while supporting the federal immigration targets outlined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). With ongoing labor shortages in key sectors, provinces continue to adjust their PNP allocations to ensure their economic and demographic goals are met.