Breaking: BC & Manitoba Immigration Draws, Plus Alberta's Latest Stream Updates
Explore recent immigration draws in BC and Manitoba, plus Alberta’s latest processing updates on provincial streams, tech, healthcare, and more in-demand sectors.
Gurmeet Sharma
This past week saw significant activity in provincial immigration programs across Canada. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) held immigration draws, while the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) provided updated information on processing times and quotas. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each province’s recent updates.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
On October 2, British Columbia held two immigration draws targeting various candidate streams:
1. General Draw
- Candidates Invited: 81
- Streams and Cut-Off Scores:
- Skilled Worker: 128
- International Graduate: 128
- Entry Level & Semi-Skilled: 110
2. In-Demand Sector Draw
The second draw specifically invited candidates with experience in priority sectors within the British Columbia labor market.
| Sector | Minimum Score | Invitations |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare | 83 | 35 |
| Construction | 89 | 23 |
| Healthcare | 99 | 28 |
| Veterinary Care | 80 | <5 |
For more information on in-demand occupations in British Columbia, refer to the official BCPNP occupation list.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
On September 27, Manitoba held two separate draws under the MPNP, offering invitations across key streams.
1. International Education Stream
- Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs): 269
2. Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
- LAAs Issued: 79 (under a Strategic Recruitment Initiative)
- Minimum Score Required: 582
A total of 348 candidates were invited across both streams, 56 of whom held a valid Express Entry profile and a job seeker validation code.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Processing Updates
The AAIP provided a comprehensive update on current processing times, quota status, and information on various immigration streams. Alberta’s program includes specific pathways for Express Entry candidates and sectors such as technology, healthcare, and rural renewal.
Overall 2024 Nomination Summary:
- Nominations Issued: 8,023
- Remaining Nomination Spaces: 1,727
- Pending Applications: 4,440
Key Stream Updates:
-
Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Accelerated Tech Pathway: Processing applications received on or before March 18, 2024
- Dedicated Healthcare Pathway: Processing as of September 9, 2024
- Law Enforcement Pathway: Applications dated September 9, 2024, or earlier
- Priority Sector Draws: All applications currently in process
- Family Connection & In-Demand Occupations: All applications currently in process
-
Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Processing applications received on or before January 11, 2024, with permits expiring in 2025 or later.
-
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway
- Processing as of September 9, 2024.
-
Entrepreneur Streams
- Applications evaluated upon receipt.
-
Rural Renewal Stream
- Processing applications dated March 6, 2024, or earlier.
-
Tourism and Hospitality Stream
- All applications have been processed.
For candidates with work permits expiring in 2024, AAIP is considering applications under a Temporary Public Policy aimed at facilitating work permit extensions.
These updates from British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta highlight ongoing opportunities within Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs and emphasize the provinces’ tailored approaches to address local labor market needs.
