Maple News reports that both British Columbia and Manitoba have issued new invitations to immigration candidates as part of their latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, held during the week of July 27 to August 2. These draws focused on attracting skilled talent in specific high-demand sectors to support local labor market needs.
British Columbia invited approximately 147 candidates through its Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams, including those aligned with Express Entry under the BC PNP. These targeted draws prioritized occupations in vital economic sectors such as tech, healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary services — reflecting the province’s continued focus on addressing critical labor shortages.
Minimum scores varied by occupation. Tech roles required a high threshold of 120 points, while healthcare professionals needed at least 101. Childcare and construction workers required scores of 89 and 90 respectively, while veterinary roles had the lowest cut-off at 80 points. The majority of invitations went to tech professionals, with 64 candidates invited.
In British Columbia, candidates under the Skilled Worker stream must have a valid job offer from a B.C. employer in a qualifying skilled occupation, along with required certifications or licenses when applicable. Experience gained through paid co-op placements may also count toward eligibility, provided it meets the National Occupational Classification (NOC) criteria equal to or higher than the offered job.
Meanwhile, Manitoba held two separate draws through its Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream. In the first draw, the province issued 145 invitations to candidates employed in the healthcare sector. Specifically, this included individuals classified under NOC 44101 — home support workers, caregivers, and related roles — and others falling within the broader healthcare category coded as ‘3’ in the NOC system.
These efforts reflect an increasingly strategic approach by provinces to attract foreign talent with relevant expertise to fill urgent employment gaps. Provincial Nominee Programs continue to serve as a vital path for economic migration to Canada, allowing provinces to tailor their selections based on local labor needs.
As PNP draws evolve to become more targeted by occupation and sector, potential applicants are advised to align their skills with provincial priorities to enhance their chances of selection.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on future PNP developments across Canada.