Maple News reports that three Canadian provinces — Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba — issued fresh invitations to immigration candidates through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) between August 10 and 16. These programs enable provinces to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on regional labor market needs.
Each province employs a unique points-based system to assess applicant eligibility. These draws highlight Canada’s continued push to attract skilled immigrants with strong professional backgrounds, particularly in occupations facing labor shortages.
Ontario conducted two draws through its Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). On August 13, the province invited 420 candidates in select healthcare occupations with a minimum score of 50. On the same day, another 958 candidates with job offers in other in-demand fields were invited, each requiring a minimum score of 54.
British Columbia held four targeted draws through its Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams, including the Express Entry BC (EEBC) options. Invitations were extended to applicants with experience in key sectors such as healthcare, childcare (Early Childhood Educators), tech, and other high-demand areas.
In Manitoba, candidate details were not disclosed at the time of publication, but the province continues its regular draws through streams under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), seeking skilled workers who meet specific criteria aligned with provincial labor needs.
Some nominees issued invitations through “enhanced” PNP streams, which are aligned with the federal Express Entry system. Candidates nominated through these streams receive an additional 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), significantly boosting their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency in subsequent federal draws.
Provincial Nominee Programs remain key to Canada’s broader economic immigration strategy, offering tailored pathways for skilled workers to contribute to regional economies while obtaining permanent residency.
Maple News will continue monitoring upcoming provincial nomination rounds and policy developments across Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the provinces.