Over the last week, BC and Alberta released the results of new Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.Most 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 in itself the same as 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 the latest Express Entry draw held June 22, Canada invited 636 PNP candidates to apply with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores of at least 752.
Here is a look back at the most recent PNP invitation rounds held across Canada.
Alberta
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) invited 150 Express Entry candidates to apply for the Alberta Express Entry stream on June 16.
Express Entry candidates needed a CRS score of at least 306 in order to be invited to apply for a provincial nomination from Alberta.
Factors that increase the likelihood of being nominated include: having work experience; a Canadian education; or a job offer in Alberta. It also helps to have a family member already living in Alberta, such as a parent, child, or sibling.
Candidates also need to meet the eligibility requirements for Express Entry. The minimum CRS score required to be considered is 300. Express Entry candidates may receive an invitation if they state in their profile that they have an interest in moving permanently to Alberta.
British Columbia
The province of British Columbia typically holds a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) round of invitations on a weekly basis.
The most recent rounds of invitations under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) were held on June 21. A total of 125 candidates received invitations to apply for a provincial nomination in these draws. This week’s draws were aimed at specific sectors of activity.
A total of 101 of these candidates were invited through a Tech draw. These candidates must meet the requirements of one of British Columbia’s Express Entry BC or Skills Immigration categories, which are managed through the Skills and Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Invited candidates had to score a minimum of 85 points.
The province also held rounds of invitations for candidates working in the following occupations:
- 14 early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214) with scores of at least 60 points;
- 10 healthcare workers with scores of at least 60 points.
