According to Maple News, Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) issued more than 3,400 invitations to apply for provincial nomination in August 2021, marking another active month in regional immigration efforts. Every province and territory, except Quebec and Nunavut, operates its own PNP to support localized workforce needs and regional economic development.
Since their inception in 1998, PNPs have become the second-largest pathway for obtaining Canadian permanent residency. The federal government expects PNPs to welcome over 80,000 new permanent residents annually through 2023. Provinces use these programs to nominate skilled foreign workers who best align with their local labor demands.
Most provinces link at least one of their PNP streams with Canada’s federal Express Entry system, enabling the fast-tracking of economic immigrants. In August, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held two PNP-specific Express Entry draws. The first, held on August 4, issued 512 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), and the second, on August 18, issued another 463. While slightly fewer than in previous months, total Express Entry ITAs in 2021 have already surpassed 100,000 — a historic high.
Saskatchewan stood out in August by conducting four separate invitation rounds through its International Skilled Worker category, including both Occupations In-Demand and Express Entry sub-streams. In total, Saskatchewan issued 948 invitations, a notable increase from July’s 575.
British Columbia also maintained its strong pace, issuing over 900 invitations through its Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration streams. These ongoing efforts target workers across various sectors, including tech and skilled trades, reflecting the province’s continued commitment to labor market alignment.
Ontario remained highly active with five draws held under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) in August. The province targets a diverse pool of candidates, from skilled trades to international graduates, highlighting its versatile approach to talent acquisition.
These results reiterate the growing importance of provincial programs in Canada’s immigration landscape. As the federal government continues to work with provinces to meet shifting labor demands, PNPs offer increasingly accessible and tailored pathways for skilled individuals seeking permanent residency in Canada.