Maple News reports that Ontario and British Columbia have extended a combined total of over 400 invitations to immigration candidates through recent rounds of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), highlighting Canada’s ongoing effort to attract skilled workers tailored to each province’s labour market needs.
The PNP is a collaborative initiative between Canada’s federal and provincial governments. Under this program, provinces nominate foreign nationals who meet specific regional labour and economic demands. While receiving a provincial nomination doesn’t automatically grant permanent residence, it significantly boosts a candidate’s chances when applying to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Ontario conducted three targeted draws through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) between June 17 and 20, inviting a total of 402 candidates. On June 17, the province held two separate draws focused on the education sector. The first was geared toward early childhood educators and assistants in the Employer Job Offer: International Student stream, issuing 84 invitations to candidates with a minimum score of 60. The same occupation was targeted later that day under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, with 106 invitations issued to individuals scoring at least 39.
On June 20, Ontario invited 212 candidates in its French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream under the Express Entry system. This draw was not occupation-specific and invited candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 305 and 409, demonstrating Ontario’s commitment to promoting bilingualism and attracting French-speaking talent.
Meanwhile, British Columbia has also issued invitations in its latest PNP round, continuing its regular weekly draws aimed at filling labour gaps across sectors such as technology, healthcare, and childcare. While exact figures for this week’s British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) draw were not released, the province remains one of the most active participants in the PNP, consistently selecting candidates from various skilled worker and graduate streams.
Provinces play a critical role in shaping Canada’s immigration landscape by inviting candidates who support economic growth and meet regional needs. Successful nominees can then apply for permanent residence through IRCC, often with expedited processing times.
As Canada continues to welcome skilled individuals who align with provincial priorities, candidates are encouraged to monitor PNP updates and evaluate their eligibility for these tailored immigration pathways.
Maple News will continue to provide up-to-date reporting on provincial and federal immigration developments.