Ontario and British Columbia Announce Latest Provincial Nominee Program Draws

This past week marked significant activity within two of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), with Ontario and British Columbia each conducting draws to invite a range of candidates with vital skills and experience. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) have both targeted individuals possessing the professional credentials, language proficiency, and employment backgrounds looked upon favorably for those seeking to establish permanent residence within these provinces

In Ontario, a selection round on September 5th through the OINP’s French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream resulted in 96 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) being issued. Eligibility criteria included having a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score ranging from 290 to 393. This particular Provincial Nominee Program stream attracts French-speaking skilled professionals aspiring to live in Ontario, requiring them to be a part of the federal Express Entry pool either through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). They must also fulfil certain linguistic, education, work experience requisites, have intentions to settle in Ontario, and prove they have adequate settlement funds. Receipt of NOI is essential before candidates can proceed with their application for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Meanwhile, British Columbia carried out two draws on September 4th through various categories of their PNP. The initial draw extended 75 invitations across Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level & Semi-Skilled categories, requiring a minimum score of 128, with the latter category necessitating at least 110. The subsequent draw was specifically aimed at individuals with work experience in childcare within the province’s vital sectors, calling for as few as 80 points for an invitation and going up to 99 points depending on the category.

As a separate note, the Saskatchewan Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has closed as of August 30th, 2024. No further applications will be accepted post-closure, but any submissions already in the pipeline will be finalized. This measure is intended to enhance settlement outcomes by simplifying the available immigration pathways. Saskatchewan remains open for alternative immigration programs and is offering information sessions for those seeking other opportunities to immigrate.

Conclusion:
This week’s PNP selections by Ontario and British Columbia demonstrate an ongoing commitment to bolstering Canada’s workforce through immigration. As these provinces identify and extend invitations to qualified individuals, prospects for skilled workers abroad continue to flourish. Those interested in Canadian immigration should take note of these developments and consider exploring eligibility under various PNPs. As always, potential applicants are advised to stay informed on recent changes, such as the closure of Saskatchewan’s program, to strategize their pathway to Canadian residency effectively.

For more information please email hello@bisonimmigration.com