Update for the Provincial Nominee Program

Provincial Nominee Program Updates

Many foreign nationals from around the world classify Canada as one very unique and progressive country to immigrate to. Additionally, many of these foreign nationals specifically research into provinces and territories within Canada that they would like to immigrate to. In most cases, this research also includes extensive searching for employment. As of recently, there has been an abundance of immigration activity within the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). This comes as no surprise since many of Canada’s provinces and territories welcome a wide range of entrepreneurs, workers and graduates. Therefore, in this article, I will address the updates to the Provincial Nominee Program and the updates based on each province and territory.

What is the Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNPs) was intended for provinces and territories of Canada to be able to nominate certain individuals for permanent residency in Canada based on their skills, work experience and many other factors. Additionally, these individuals must show an interest in the specific province or territory that nominates then and must ensure that they have the ability to settle within that province/territory’s labour market. The Provincial Nominee Program also has enhanced streams that coincide with the Express Entry program. For instance, an enhanced nomination will allow the candidate to receive an additional 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Additionally, these candidates will most likely receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next draw from the Express Entry pool.

In addition, the Canadian government has estimated an increase in the number of new permanent residents to arrive in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program this year alone. Specifically, under the Canadian Immigration Levels Plan for the year of 2017, the target for the number of new permanent residents is approximately 54,000. For more information on the new multi-year Immigration Levels Plan, please refer to our article “Canada Estimated to Welcome 1 million+ Migrants through 2020.”

Below I will explain in detail each province and/or territory that has had some updates recently.

British Columbia (BC)

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has had a very busy time this year. Specifically within August and September of this year, there were over 2,000 invitations to apply sent to a wide range of workers, entrepreneurs and graduates. Specifically to the BC PNP, they continue to administer tech-only draws. The reason for this comes from the new initiative that began in the beginning of 2017 which coincided with the new BC PBP Tech Pilot.

Alberta

In 2017, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has issued more than 4,300 provincial nominations. Additionally, approximately 1,150 of those nominations were only issued within the past three months, which is outstanding. This essentially shows how AINP staff have been continuously trying their best to welcome new migrants to Canada, including already existing temporary residents and new permanent residents to Canada.

Saskatchewan

There are now more options available for potential applicants who are applying through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). For instance, there are new updates to the skilled worker sub-categories such as the International Skilled Worker – Express Entry and the International Skilled Worker – Occupations In-Demand. These subcategories allow candidates to apply without first obtaining a valid job offer if they have the qualified work experience and also have experience in an in-demand occupation. Thankfully, this summer the list of in-demand occupations became bigger and now includes more than 40 occupations overall. Additionally, the sub-category has now received more than 600 additional applications

Manitoba

In August of 2017, over 443 skilled worker candidates were invited to apply for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Additionally, the following draw in September also invited another 349 candidates to apply for the program. Specifically, the candidates that were invited to apply fell under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba category as well as the Skilled Worker Overseas category.

Ontario

In late July of 2017, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) placed a hold on the Human Capital Priorities stream through Express Entry. Alternatively, the OINP were specifically looking for candidates in the Express Entry pool who had qualified and skilled work experience in certain information and Communications Technology (ICT) occupations. Luckily for these specific candidates, they would be prioritized to be nominated even if they scored below 400 CRS points. Just to understand the significance of being nominated below 400 CRS points, usually Ontario only invites candidates with over 400 CRS points or more. Therefore, candidates with this type of skill are given high priority.

New Brunswick

In September of 2017, the Express Entry Labour Market Stream (EELMS) which is New Brunswick’s enhanced stream, started accepting applications temporarily from eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool. These candidates must have had work experience in an eligible occupation. Additionally, they must have also attended an information session that would be hosted by immigration authorities in New Brunswick.

Nova Scotia

A very popular option in the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is the Express Entry-aligned Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry (NSDEE) stream. Similar to the Saskatchewan sub-category, the NSDEE also has an eligible occupations list. Furthermore, the eligible candidate does not require a valid job offer prior to applying; however, they must have an active Express Entry profile and must qualify for the eligibility requirements. Specifically in October, this stream became available for over 300 new applications; the capacity was filled by the end of the day. Nova Scotia states that they will reopen this stream to invite more newcomers to Nova Scotia’s labour market.

Contact Akrami & Associates

If you would like to apply for any of the aforementioned Provincial/Territorial Nominee Programs, it is advisable to take the aforementioned information into consideration. Additionally, if you are unsure what requirements are needed from you, it is always best to research beforehand. Applying under any PNP for permanent residency in Canada is a difficult task to do on your own; therefore, it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to submit the application. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients apply PNP and have helped them obtain permanent residency in Canada. If you believe that you might be eligible, then please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advice.

With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!