This week, four provinces in Canada held immigration draws through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which focused on candidates based on factors such as professional experience, education, and current employment.
Alberta
On November 21, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) held an immigration draw under the Alberta Express Entry Priority Sectors stream, issuing 96 invites to candidates with full-time job offers in the health care sector. The draws required:
- A minimum AAIP score of 42;
- A valid work permit;
- Language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 or higher;
- An Express Entry profile expiring on or after April 21, 2025;
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300;
- Appropriate licensing to practice in Alberta (if required).
British Columbia
On November 26, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) held two draws:
- A general draw, releasing seven invitations from three immigration streams.
- Draw under Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams, including EEBC stream.
| Stream | Minimum score to be considered | Invitations issued |
| Skilled Worker | 146 | 7 |
| Skilled Worker – Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) option | 146 | |
| International Graduate | 146 | |
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 146 | |
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 125 |
A minimum of four candidates were invited from province’s in-demand sectors of its economy. Minimum score requirements may vary based on the type of stream and sector.
| Stream | Sectors targeted | Minimum score to be considered | Invitations issued |
| Skilled International Graduate stream (EEBC option) | Childcare | 102 | <5 |
| Construction | 108 | <5 | |
| Healthcare | 121 | <5 | |
| Veterinary care | 80 | <5 |
Manitoba
Manitoba PNP (MPNP) Manitoba held three draws on November 22 across various streams as follows: A total number of 279 candidates received invitations:
1. Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream: 89 candidates with a minimum score of 840. Applicants must have a Manitoba supporter who:
- Is a close relative and a Canadian permanent resident or citizen; and
- Has been living in Manitoba for at least one year.
2. Skilled Worker Overseas stream: 25 candidates with a minimum score of 617. Applicants were required to be invited as part of a strategic recruitment effort.
3. International Education Stream: 165 applicants who meet the requirements.
Of the total number of invited candidates, 55 held valid Express Entry profiles.
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
On November 21, the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) issued a draw under the Labour and Express Entry stream. The program invited 59 candidates. To be eligible, candidates had to:
- Be working in PEI’s healthcare, construction, or manufacturing industries; and
- Hold a work permit expiring in 2024.
PEI has issued a total of 1,113 invitations over the past year. These PNP draws reflect the ongoing need to attract skilled workers in order to meet the targeted labor market gaps within the provinces.
