This past week British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan released Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw results.

All Canadian provinces and territories (with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut) operate their own PNPs. Through these programs, interested candidates may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Although provincial nomination is not the same as a permanent residence, it can significantly increase a candidate’s chances of obtaining permanent resident status. For instance, PNP candidates with Express Entry profiles who receive a nomination get 600 points added to their CRS score. They also become eligible to be invited to apply for a PNP-specific round of invitations.

Following its launch in 1998, the PNP welcomed only 400 immigrants, but due to its success, it now welcomes more than 80,000 per year. The increase in the number of PNP admissions in Canada is due to the fact that the federal and provincial governments consider it an effective tool to promote the economic development of the country.

Express Entry draws are held every two weeks. After a long pause, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is now once again holding all-program Express Entry draws. The first all-program draw since 2020 was held on July 6, and a total of 1,500 Express Entry candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 557 received invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The most recent Express Entry draw was held on August 3 with 2,000 invitations issued and a minimum CRS of 533.

PNP Draw Results August 5-11

British Columbia

Over 155 candidates were invited to apply for provincial nomination in British Columbia in the draw that occurred on August 10. British Columbia typically holds a provincial nomination draw each week on Wednesdays.

This week the province invited most candidates in regional draws from targeted categories, including tech occupations. This kind of draw aims to fill gaps in BC’s labour force in specific areas of the province where there is a shortage of skilled workers. The minimum Skills and Immigration Registration System (SIRS) score ranged from 76 for Entry Level and Semi-Skilled workers, to 114 for candidates in the Skilled Worker (EEBC) category.

SIRS acts much like the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) but is only used for British Columbia’s PNP.

The province also held rounds of invitations for candidates working in the following occupations:

• Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214) with scores of at least 60 points; and
• Healthcare workers with scores of at least 60 points.
• Entry level and semi-skilled workers: Healthcare assistants (NOC 3413) with scores of at least 60 points
• Skilled worker, international graduates for other targeted occupations with scores of at least 60 points

Saskatchewan

On August 11, Saskatchewan invited a total of 745 candidates from Express Entry and Occupations-In-Demand categories through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). This continues Saskatchewan’s recent trend of holding PNP draws nearly every week. In July the province held four draws, inviting over 200 candidates each time. Until July, Saskatchewan held draws only every two months.

The province invited 433 candidates from the Express Entry category and 312 from the Occupations-In-Demand category. Like the last draw on July 27, the minimum Expression of Interest score in both categories was 68. All candidates invited had Educational Credential Assessments.

Manitoba

Manitoba held a PNP draw on August 11 and issued 345 invitations through the Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program.