BC, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan hold new immigration draws || VO Visas

 BC, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan hold new immigration draws || VO Visas 

Here is a look at Canada's provincial immigration draws for the week of May 2.

This past week, three Canadian provinces released their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw results.

Most Canadian provinces and territories (except 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 in itself the same as a permanent residence, it can significantly increase the chances of obtaining permanent resident status. For instance, PNP candidates with Express Entry profiles who receive a nomination get 600 points added to their score. They also become eligible to be invited to apply for a PNP-specific round of invitations.

In 1998, when it was launched, 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 because the federal and provincial governments consider it an effective tool to promote the economic development of the country.

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Express Entry draws are held every two weeks, with the last one held on April 27 and another one expected on Wednesday, May 11. PNPs have been the focus of Express Entry draws since September 2021. However, Express Entry draws for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) are now set to resume in early July. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Sean Fraser, made the announcement on April 22.  At the same time, the Minister stated he expects the majority of new Express Entry applications to again be processed within IRCC’s six-month service standard.

By 2024, the number of annual Express Entry admissions will be increased by the Canadian government to over 110,000 immigrants. 

PNP invitations were issued between May 2-6

British Columbia

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held its weekly round of invitations on May 3. More than 178 BC immigration candidates received invitations to apply for a provincial nomination.

A total of 141 of these candidates were invited through a general draw. Candidates who received invitations in this draw were from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled subcategories and needed a minimum provincial score between 77 and 123.

The province also held three separate draws for candidates in targeted occupations. A total of 28 early childhood educators who may qualify for the Skilled Worker and International Graduate sub-categories were invited. BC also invited nine healthcare professionals who may be eligible for the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, or the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled sub-categories. In both of these draws, candidates needed a minimum provincial score of 65.

In addition, less than five veterinarians and animal health technologists, and veterinary technicians were invited to apply for Skilled Worker and International Graduate sub-category. These candidates also needed scores of at least 65 in order to to be invited.

BC also announced that the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Base category will be reopened to new intake in July 2022 and that an updated EI Base Program Guide will be released at the same time. The province implemented a pause in the stream in July 2021 to review and adapt the program to current economic needs. The Regional Pilot and the Strategic Projects categories remain open to applications from those interested in investing and establishing a business in BC.

Manitoba 

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) invited 315 candidates to apply on May 5. The invitations were divided across three immigration streams:

• Skilled Workers in Manitoba — 249 invitations with a minimum score of 651;
• Skilled Workers Overseas — 34 invitations with a minimum score of 691; and
• International Education Stream — 32 invitations with no score requirement.

Out of all who were invited to apply, 48 had profiles in the Express Entry system.

Those who want a nomination from Manitoba, need to register an Expression of Interest with the MPNP. Once that step is completed, they will be in a position to receive an LAA through the Skilled Workers in Manitoba and Skilled Workers Overseas streams.

Manitoba then ranks candidate profiles out of 1,000 points taking into account their human capital factors, as well as their connections to the province. The MPNP then issues invitations to eligible candidates who will be able to submit an application for a provincial nomination.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) invited a total of 198 candidates to apply for a provincial nomination on May 5.

In the May 5 invitation round, 106 invitations went to Express Entry candidates and 91 invitations went to Occupations In-Demand candidates. The minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score requirement was 85 for both categories of candidates, and they needed to have work experience in one of 40 occupations.

In response to the crisis in Ukraine, on May 5 Saskatchewan also issued one invitation to apply for a provincial nomination to a Ukrainian national.

Finally, Saskatchewan issued invitations under its Entrepreneur sub-category. A total of 54 candidates with scores between 90 and 130 points were selected from the EOI pool.

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