Maple News reports that British Columbia, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island extended new rounds of invitations this week through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), offering candidates a potential pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) enables provinces and territories to nominate immigration candidates who align with their local economic needs. Nominees must demonstrate their capacity to settle and contribute to the workforce. Receiving a provincial nomination significantly strengthens a candidate’s federal immigration application, often leading to faster processing and increased chances of approval.
On January 30, British Columbia held five targeted PNP draws under its Skills Immigration stream. The province invited over 194 candidates in total. The majority—89 invitations—went to tech professionals with a minimum required score of 103. The construction sector received 29 invitations, with candidates needing a minimum score of 75. Additional draws targeted professionals in childcare (49 invitations), healthcare (27), and veterinary care (fewer than 5), all requiring a minimum score of 60.
Meanwhile, Manitoba conducted a draw on February 1 through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The draw focused on three streams: Skilled Workers in Manitoba, International Education Stream, and Skilled Workers Overseas. A combined total of 282 candidates received Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs), including 26 invitations issued to candidates with Express Entry profiles.
Prince Edward Island also participated in the week’s activity, holding a draw on February 1 through the PEI PNP. The province invited 78 candidates under the Labour & Express Entry category. Occupations prioritized included healthcare, manufacturing, and early childhood education, reflecting the province’s current labor market demands.
Candidates can pursue a base nomination by applying directly to a province, or they may receive an enhanced nomination through the Express Entry system. Those who obtain an enhanced nomination earn an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, virtually guaranteeing them an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
Each province sets its own criteria and processes, and applicants are typically required to submit additional documents and pay separate application fees at both the provincial and federal levels. PNPs continue to play a vital role in Canada’s immigration landscape, supporting regional labor markets and population growth.
Maple News will continue to monitor upcoming provincial draws and provide updates as they happen.