Immigration Minister Marc Miller convened with provincial and territorial immigration ministers in Toronto to address common concerns. These ministers call biannually as part of the Federation of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI). A decision-making body that fosters a flexible, timely, and efficient immigration system for Canada. The FMRI’s mission is to promote shared immigration priorities and improve Canada’s immigration policies and programs.
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Latest Outcomes of Provincial Nominee Program Draws
The FMRI gathering followed a dynamic week during which four provinces disclosed the outcomes of their most recent Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. You can see the summarized results below:
Alberta
On November 9, Alberta extended invitations to 16 candidates through the Express Entry system. These individuals belonged to the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta Job Offer stream and needed a Comprehensive Ranking System score exceeding 300.
According to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), candidates in this stream can anticipate a waiting period of up to two months for a final decision after submitting their complete applications.
Manitoba
On November 16, Manitoba invited 301 candidates to submit their applications.
The province conducted four draws across three streams:
Within the Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream. A general draw for all occupations invited 100 candidates with a minimum score of 809.
Moreover, another draw for Skilled Workers was occupation-specific, considering various National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, including those in healthcare, education, and home care.
The International Education stream invited 61 candidates. Additionally, 48 Skilled Workers from overseas with a minimum score of 721 received invitations in a separate draw.
British Columbia
On November 16, British Columbia extended invitations to over 219 candidates in its latest BC PNP draw.
Out of the five draws conducted, the largest was a general draw that invited 116 candidates from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled streams. Minimum scores varied from 94 to 115, depending on the stream.
Additionally, four draws focused on specific occupations within the Skilled Workers and International Graduates categories:
- Early childcare educators and assistants: 59 candidates
- Healthcare: 32 candidates
- Other priority occupations: Less than five candidates
Applicants in these draws were required to have a minimum score of 60. BC also hosted its inaugural targeted draw for individuals in construction occupations, inviting 12 Skilled Workers and International Graduate candidates with a minimum score of 75.
Prince Edward Island
On November 16, Prince Edward Island (PEI) issued invitations to 141 candidates through the PEI PNP.
The province extended invitations to 134 Labour and Express Entry candidates employed by a PEI employer, with a minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 55.
Furthermore, a small draw considered Business Work Permit Entrepreneur candidates, with seven individuals needing a minimum score of 80 for consideration.
Moreover, over the past 12 months, PEI has invited 2,527 candidates through these two streams.
Key Discussions at the FMRI Meeting on November 17, 2023
Following the session, Minister Miller conducted a press conference, reiterating key points from the release of the Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026. He stated that the plan aims to drive sustainable population growth in Canada and offer crucial support in the healthcare and construction sectors.
A joint statement was issued by federal and provincial immigration ministers after the meeting, highlighting key topics of discussion, including:
- Reducing duplication in federal-provincial economic class immigration programs and minimizing processing times
- Supporting Francophone immigration outside Quebec
- Implementing a more responsive and client-centered economic immigration system
- Diminishing barriers and streamlining the recognition of foreign credentials
- In addition, collaborating on addressing pressures on housing, infrastructure, and social services
- Exploring the expansion of settlement services eligibility, particularly for asylum claimants and temporary residents on a clear path to permanent residence
- Enhancing the integrity of Canada’s International Student Program
- Lastly, aligning work permits with provincial-territorial labor market needs
Canada’s Updated Immigration Strategy
Provincial priorities are increasingly aligning with the federal government’s vision. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently unveiled a new strategy titled ‘An Immigration System for Canada’s Future.’
Within the strategy, IRCC emphasizes the importance of enhanced consultations with provincial governments and other partners to adopt a comprehensive, government-wide approach. The goal is to bolster sustainable immigration levels, strengthening Canada’s economy and workforce.
This collaborative approach also mirrors the creation of the federal Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026. As part of this plan, Canada aims to admit up to 500,000 new permanent residents annually in 2025 and 2026. Notably, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is expected to contribute 110,000 individuals in 2024, and the target is increased to 120,000 for 2025 and 2026.
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Provincial Nominee Program’s Multi-Year Levels Plan
The most recent meeting of the Federation of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) occurred in March in Halifax.
During the Halifax meeting, the FMRI focused extensively on endorsing a multi-year-level plan for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
This initiative enables provincial and territorial governments to receive their PNP allocations up to three years in advance. Unlike the previous approach, provinces received information about their PNP selection quotas on an annual basis.
Implementing a multi-year plan offers several advantages to provinces, ensuring they can adequately plan for settlement services, housing, healthcare, and other essential infrastructure for newcomers while considering the needs of existing residents.
Furthermore, during the meeting, ministers addressed other pertinent issues. Including enhancing international education recognition and facilitating quicker entry for in-demand professionals, particularly those in healthcare and construction occupations.
Discussions also encompassed the expansion of the Atlantic Immigration Program and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program.
