Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, and PEI have extended invitations to potential candidates for provincial immigration.
In Canada, all provinces and territories except Quebec and Nunavut have the authority to issue invitations to economic immigrants to apply for a provincial nomination via the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In addition, such nominations significantly enhance the strength of a candidate’s application for permanent residency when they submit it to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Quebec, however, operates under a distinct agreement with the federal government. Granting it complete autonomy to select the number of economic immigrants for permanent residency.
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Recent Immigration Targets Plan and Strategic Immigration Initiative
Each year, IRCC unveils an Immigration Levels Plan. Establishing specific targets for the number of permanent residents admitted over the upcoming three years. The IRCC allocates this overall target among various immigration programs and pathways.
The most recent Immigration Levels Plan, from 2024 to 2026, was officially released on November 1st. According to the plan, IRCC aims to admit 110,000 newcomers through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 2024 and 120,000 in 2025 and 2026.
Moreover, the IRCC’s recently introduced Strategic Immigration Program plays a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of this plan. This program outlines three fundamental pillars:
- The enhancement of IRCC’s operational efficiency
- The facilitation of newcomers’ settlement
- Lastly, the alignment of immigration growth with infrastructure requirements and settlement services
IRCC intends to achieve these goals by actively engaging with relevant stakeholders, including provincial governments, to gain a deeper understanding of local needs and capacities. In addition, this approach ensures that newcomers are provided with the necessary resources for successful integration while improving affordability and meeting the diverse needs of all Canadians.
Manitoba
On November 2, Manitoba extended invitations to 400 candidates to apply for nomination through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Three distinct draws issued the invitations. The first draw encompassed 204 Skilled Workers in Manitoba with a minimum score of 768, and it was a general draw.
Furthermore, the second draw targeted Skilled Workers Overseas, with the province inviting 65 candidates with a score of 708 as part of a strategic recruitment initiative.
The final draw extended invitations to 131 candidates from the International Education Stream, and no specific minimum score was set for this category.
PEI – Prince Edward Island
Additionally, on November 2, Prince Edward Island (PEI) issued invitations to 41 candidates under the Labor and Express Entry streams.
Candidates were chosen based on their employment in healthcare, manufacturing, food processing, and agriculture.
In addition, over the past year, PEI has welcomed 2,385 candidates to apply through the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Quebec
On November 1st, Quebec unveiled its own Immigration Levels Plan. Like the federal Immigration Levels Plan, Quebec establishes targets for the economic immigrants it intends to invite to apply for permanent selection. However, this year, the province has set targets only for 2024 and 2025.
Traditionally, Quebec has projected targets up to four years in advance, but this plan covers only the next two years. They made this adjustment to evaluate the outcomes of a new requirement, which mandates that all candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the French language to qualify for permanent selection.
For 2024, Quebec has set a target of admitting 30,650 skilled workers, and for 2025, the goal is to accept 31,500.
The most recent provincial immigration draws occurred on October 26, resulting in invitations extended to 1,220 candidates. The first draw concentrated on candidates in various trade occupations with a score exceeding 465 points.
Furthermore, the second draw specifically targeted candidates in technology, healthcare, and other priority occupations, requiring scores higher than 608. In both draws, candidates were also expected to demonstrate a level 7 or higher oral proficiency in French, as per the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes or its equivalent.
British Columbia
On October 31, British Columbia extended invitations to over 203 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
The province conducted four distinct draws, with the largest encompassing Skilled Workers, International Graduates, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled candidates. Skilled Workers needed a minimum score of 111. International Graduates required a score of 113, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled candidates needed a minimum score of 91.
The remaining three draws were occupation-specific and exclusively targeted Skilled Workers and International Graduates. In addition, in these draws, they required all candidates to attain a minimum score of 60.
These draws included invitations for:
- 48 early childhood educators and assistants
- 22 healthcare professionals
- Fewer than five candidates in other priority occupations
Ontario
On October 30, Ontario extended invitations to candidates in the Master’s Graduate and PhD Graduate streams of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). These draws were general, with no specific occupation requirements.
Furthermore, the invitations included:
- 1,051 candidates from the Master’s Graduate stream, each with a minimum score of 43 or higher.
- 66 candidates from the PhD Graduate stream, each with a minimum score of 42 or higher.
Alberta
Alberta has released the results of two recent draws held on October 24 and 26.
On October 24, the province issued invitations to 22 candidates through the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with an Alberta job offer stream. The lowest-ranked candidates had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 326.
The draw on October 26 invited 100 candidates eligible under the Family Connection and Primary Occupation In-Demand stream. These candidates were required to have a minimum CRS score of 369.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that in both draws, the candidates were also part of the Express Entry pool of applicants.
