Maple News reports that British Columbia and Prince Edward Island have both issued new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) this week, offering fresh opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurs and skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada.
British Columbia (BC) focused on attracting experienced foreign entrepreneurs under two streams of its Entrepreneur Immigration program—the Base Stream and the Regional Pilot. In a draw held on March 18, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued eight invitations through the Base Stream to candidates who had already launched or acquired a business in the province. Applicants needed a minimum registration score of 115 to qualify, with evaluations based on factors such as business concept, investment, and managerial experience.
A smaller number of ITAs—fewer than five—were issued under the Regional Pilot stream, targeting entrepreneurs who received community referrals from participating rural municipalities. These candidates needed a minimum score of 123. This stream continues to serve as a strategic tool for regional economic development by addressing gaps in underserved communities.
Meanwhile, Prince Edward Island (PEI) held its third PNP draw of 2024 on March 20, issuing a total of 124 ITAs through its Labour Impact and Express Entry categories. The focus was on individuals already living and working in PEI, especially those in essential sectors identified as critical for the province’s economic growth. This includes healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and early childhood education.
PEI continues to prioritize retention by selecting candidates with demonstrated commitment to the province, particularly those with at least one year of local work experience. By targeting those already integrated into the community, the province supports both population stability and labor market development.
This week’s draws reflect ongoing efforts at the provincial level to tackle labor shortages and promote entrepreneurship through immigration. These targeted PNPs enable provinces to select candidates who are most likely to contribute to regional economies and successfully integrate into local communities.
As of 2024, provincial nominee programs remain a key pillar of Canada’s immigration strategy, allowing provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet specific labor market and demographic needs.
Stay tuned with Maple News for the latest updates on Canadian immigration pathways and provincial draws.