Maple News reports that the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario have issued new rounds of invitations to skilled immigration candidates through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These targeted draws focus on high-demand sectors and reflect each province’s commitment to addressing labor shortages and boosting economic growth through immigration.
Between September 21 and 27, British Columbia invited at least 146 skilled workers and international graduates through the Skilled Worker – International Graduate stream of the BC PNP. The invitations were issued across various priority sectors including childcare, construction, healthcare, tech, and veterinary care. Each sector had its own minimum score requirement and number of invitations:
– Childcare: 42 invitations, minimum score 83
– Construction: 22 invitations, minimum score 89
– Healthcare: 24 invitations, minimum score 99
– Tech: 57 invitations, minimum score 117
– Veterinary Care: Fewer than five invitations, minimum score 80
To be eligible for the Skilled Worker – International Graduate stream, candidates must have recently graduated from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution within the past three years. They must also hold a full-time job offer in British Columbia in a position classified under the TEER 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. Additional requirements include meeting English or French language standards, receiving a competitive wage offer aligned with provincial expectations, and proving financial self-sufficiency.
Notably, this stream includes an enhanced pathway through Express Entry BC (EEBC), allowing candidates in the federal Express Entry pool to be nominated by the province. A provincial nomination under an enhanced stream adds 600 points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Ontario also participated in this period’s PNP activity, issuing nominations to candidates based on a combination of their skilled work experience and bilingual language abilities in English and French. While detailed figures for Ontario’s draw were not specified, the province continues to use its tailored scoring system to address demographic and labor market needs.
Maple News highlights that each PNP uses a unique points-based system to evaluate and rank eligible candidates. As such, scores between provinces are not directly comparable. These programs are critical tools that enable provinces to select immigrants who can meet their specific workforce needs and contribute positively to local economies.
As labor shortages persist in key industries across the country, provincial nominee streams such as these offer strategic routes for skilled workers and international graduates to gain permanent residency in Canada.