Maple News reports that British Columbia and Alberta have issued new rounds of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), advancing Canada’s broader goal of distributing immigration benefits across the country.
Under draws held between November 29 and December 6, both provinces selected candidates from various skilled backgrounds, emphasizing targeted recruitment based on local labor market needs, work experience, education, and other job-related criteria.
On December 3, British Columbia conducted a draw through the BC Provincial Nominee Program’s (BC PNP) Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams, including the Express Entry BC (EEBC) categories. At least nine candidates were invited. These individuals had expertise in key in-demand sectors such as healthcare, early childhood education, and tech-related fields. The minimum score required varied by occupation, reflecting priorities identified by the province.
In Alberta, invitations were also extended under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), although specific details regarding the exact number of candidates or cutoff scores have not been publicly disclosed at the time of reporting. Nonetheless, Alberta continues to support economic growth by selecting candidates aligned with its labor and demographic needs, especially through its Express Entry-linked streams.
Canada’s PNP system, first established in 1998, allows provinces and territories—except Quebec and Nunavut—to nominate immigration candidates who meet specific provincial criteria. Quebec operates under a unique agreement with the federal government, maintaining independent control over its economic immigration.
These latest PNP draws underscore Canada’s ongoing efforts to address skill shortages in specific regions by supporting targeted immigration streams. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination gain a significant advantage when applying for permanent residency, particularly if they are aligned with the federal Express Entry system.
Maple News will continue to track provincial immigration updates as they unfold, keeping applicants and stakeholders informed of new opportunities across Canada.