Maple News reports that Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba have conducted the first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws of 2024, signaling a strong start to Canada’s regional immigration efforts this year.
The PNP allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate economic immigration candidates based on their skills, employment experience, and alignment with local labor market needs. These programs help provinces attract immigrants who are more likely to succeed economically and remain in the region long term, strengthening both economies and communities.
Ontario led the way by issuing invitations through multiple immigration streams. On January 9, the province conducted two targeted draws under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream. One draw focused on candidates in healthcare and tech roles, inviting 821 applicants with a minimum score of 40. The second draw invited 630 skilled trades professionals with scores of 33 or higher. This was followed by a major draw on January 11 under the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, where 2,552 candidates were invited with CRS scores ranging from 350 to 424.
British Columbia and Manitoba also conducted PNP draws, though the article did not include specific details about these provinces’ invitation numbers or the types of candidates selected. Historically, these provinces have prioritized candidates in sectors such as healthcare, construction, technology, and child care, reflecting ongoing labor shortages in those areas.
PNP streams differ by province and often target occupation-specific candidates or recent graduates. For instance, Ontario recently expanded eligibility for its International Graduate Stream, now allowing applicants with one-year credentials from designated Ontario institutions.
According to Canada’s 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government aims to welcome 110,000 new permanent residents through PNPs this year. While immigration is a shared jurisdiction, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allocates nomination quotas to each province annually, based on demographic and economic indicators such as labor market demand and settlement resources.
With the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, every Canadian province and territory operates a PNP, offering diverse immigration pathways that respond to regional needs. Quebec manages its own immigration system through a unique agreement with the federal government.
As provincial draws pick up momentum in 2024, aspiring immigrants are encouraged to explore the pathways best suited to their skills and qualifications. The proactive rollout of these draws reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to regional immigration and economic growth.