Maple News reports that the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec have issued new invitations to skilled immigrant candidates as part of their latest rounds of provincial immigration draws between September 14 and 20.
Ontario continued its active Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) activity on September 17 and 19. The province extended 1,249 invitations through the Master’s Graduate Stream to candidates scoring at least 53 points, and 194 invitations to PhD Graduate Stream applicants with scores of 45 or higher. Two days later, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held a targeted draw for 1,424 candidates in the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream, seeking professionals in specific ‘other priority occupations.’
British Columbia also held its regular weekly draws under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), inviting numerous candidates in technology, healthcare, and early childhood education fields. Although exact figures were not disclosed, the province continues to select candidates from both its general and targeted skills streams.
Meanwhile, Quebec – operating outside of the federal PNP system due to its special agreement with the federal government – has invited an undisclosed number of candidates under its own economic immigration programs. Quebec maintains full control over the selection criteria and annual immigration targets and has recently reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming more French-speaking skilled immigrants to meet labor market demands in key regions.
Canada’s PNPs, launched in 1998, are designed to help distribute the advantages of immigration more evenly across the country by allowing provinces and territories to nominate immigrants aligned with local labor needs. While a provincial nomination does not equate to immediate permanent residency, it significantly enhances a candidate’s chances. For instance, Express Entry applicants who receive a nomination gain an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points—virtually securing them an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in future federal draws.
Candidates nominated through a PNP or Quebec’s separate program must still apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency after receiving their provincial nomination.
These latest draws reflect each province’s strategic approach to addressing workforce shortages and economic priorities. Applicants interested in Canada’s provincial programs are encouraged to stay informed about changing criteria and upcoming draw patterns.
Maple News will continue to provide updates on provincial and federal immigration developments as they unfold.