Maple News reports that the provinces of British Columbia (B.C.) and Prince Edward Island (PEI) have recently issued new invitations to apply for provincial nomination under Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), aiming to attract skilled workers tailored to meet specific regional labour market needs.
The Provincial Nominee Program, initiated in 1998 in Manitoba, was designed to distribute the benefits of immigration more evenly across the country, especially in regions that typically attract fewer newcomers. Today, all provinces and territories except Quebec and Nunavut participate in the PNP, granting them authority to select candidates aligned with their economic goals.
Provincial nomination plays a key role in Canada’s immigration landscape. Candidates nominated through the PNP—especially those aligned with the federal Express Entry system—gain a significant advantage. A nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
On October 30, British Columbia issued over 83 invitations through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). This included a general draw that invited 31 candidates across three streams: Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled. The minimum score required for Skilled Worker and International Graduate candidates was 134, while Entry Level and Semi-Skilled applicants needed a score of at least 117.
In addition to the general draw, B.C. also conducted four targeted draws focused on attracting candidates in crucial occupations such as healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary care. These targeted initiatives reflect the province’s strategic focus on filling persistent labour shortages in key sectors.
Prince Edward Island also conducted a PNP draw during this period, targeting candidates with work experience aligned with the province’s economic priorities. Although specifics of the draw were not disclosed in the original announcement, PEI is known to prioritize applicants in healthcare, construction, and manufacturing—fields that continue to bolster the province’s economic growth.
These developments come shortly after Canada revealed its 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, which includes a notable reduction in PNP allocations for next year. The number of PNP nominations Canada plans to issue will drop from 110,000 in 2024 to just 55,000 in 2025. This shift underlines a more cautious immigration approach amid growing public and political debate around housing, infrastructure, and integration capacity.
Despite the cutbacks, the PNP remains a vital pathway for many aspiring immigrants, helping provinces tailor their immigration strategies based on local workforce needs. The recent draws by B.C. and PEI reaffirm that even within tightened quotas, provinces continue to seek highly skilled talent to support economic resilience and regional development.