The provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island have issued invitations to apply through provincial immigration programs this week. The Alberta and Quebec draw occurred last month.
All Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) have their own Provincial Nominee Programs. Through these programs, interested candidates can apply for provincial nomination. It is advantageous to receive a provincial nomination for permanent residency.
According to the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, the province administers all immigration programs, which are different from the federal government’s immigration programs. Quebec is the only province to be in charge of immigration programs for all economic classes of immigrants.
Approximately 105,000 Canadians are admitted to the PR system each year through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Since it was established in 1998, PNP admissions have steadily increased over the years. In both the federal and provincial governments, it is considered a very effective tool for promoting economic development outside of urban areas.
Results of Provincial Immigration From January 14th to 20th
Alberta
On December 8 of last year, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) sent 129 invitations for individuals and families to apply for provincial nomination through the Alberta Express Entry Stream. These results have only been released recently. Candidates needed to have a minimum CRS score of 305 to be considered for a provincial nomination.
In addition, the province announced this week that candidates who have qualified for Express Entry in the AAIP will be invited to apply based upon a combination of high-demand occupations and family ties when completing the drawing for Express Entry candidates from the federal pool of candidates.
It is important to note that there has not been any change to the eligibility criteria in any stream of the AAIP.
Quebec
The province of Quebec invited 1047 skilled workers to apply for permanent selection on December 15th. The results were only announced this week.
The draw targeted candidates who had occupations with specific NOCs. Candidates were required to have job offers outside of the Montréal Metropolitan Community and a minimum Arrima Expression of Interest score of 571 points.
A total of 800 invitations were handed out by the Ministry of Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) to immigrants who had applied under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).
Quebec has a maximum deadline of 60 days for those who are invited to apply for permanent selection to submit their applications and pay processing fees. In Quebec, complete applications will be processed within six months, beginning with receiving all the required information, including all forms and documents.
British Columbia
The British Columbia government invited more than 187 candidates to apply for provincial nomination on January 17. The province invited 154 candidates in a general draw that included tech occupations. The invitations were issued to Express Entry and International Graduate candidates and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled candidates.
A minimum SIRS score of 105 was required for candidates in the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams. In British Columbia, SIRS is similar to the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), but only for the Provincial Nominating Program (PNP).
Additionally, candidates working in these occupations were invited.
- The 18 early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214) with a minimum score of 60;
- Healthcare workers with a score of at least 60 points from Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Express Entry categories;
- At least 60 points for other in-demand occupations.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island invited 216 candidates through the Labour and Express Entry streams of the PEI PNP, as well as seven candidates with minimum points of 62 through the Business Work Permit Entrepreneur stream. The PEI PNP typically holds draws monthly. This was the first draw in 2023. PEI PNP candidates who wish to be nominated by Express Entry must submit a separate Expression of Interest (EOI).
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