Canada Immigration Update: New Invitations from BC, Manitoba, PEI, and Quebec
Learn about recent Canadian provincial immigration updates: BC, Manitoba, PEI, and Quebec issue new invitations for skilled workers seeking permanent residence.
Gurmeet Sharma
Four Canadian provinces—British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec—have recently extended invitations to candidates through their respective immigration programs, leading to Canadian permanent residence for selected individuals. Below is a breakdown of each province’s invitation round, criteria, and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) processes.
British Columbia: October 22 Invitations
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) held category-based draws for the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams, issuing approximately 125 invitations. These draws required candidates to hold a BC job offer, with each category having a unique minimum score:
| Draw Type | Invitations | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare | 41 | 83 |
| Construction | 10 | 89 |
| Healthcare | 11 | 99 |
| Tech | 60 | 117 |
| Veterinary Care | <5 | 80 |
Manitoba: October 24 Invitations
On October 24, Manitoba held its 231st Expression of Interest (EOI) draw, issuing 253 Letters of Advice to Apply. The breakdown of invitations was as follows:
| Stream | Letters of Advice Issued | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker in Manitoba | 50 | 872 |
| International Education | 156 | N/A |
| Skilled Worker Overseas | 47 | 703 |
Of these, 210 were issued under the base PNP, while 43 were issued under the enhanced PNP. Candidates in the Skilled Worker Overseas stream required a strategic recruitment invitation.
Prince Edward Island: September 20 Invitations
Prince Edward Island (PEI) issued 48 invitations during its recent draw, with a minimum points requirement of 97 for business candidates. Invitations were distributed across the following sectors:
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Trucking and Transportation (with expiring work permits)
- International Graduate Stream (with expiring work permits)
A total of 2 business invitations were issued, with the remaining 46 allocated to Labour and Express Entry candidates.
Quebec: September 19 Invitations
On September 19, Quebec issued 1,650 invitations under its Regular Skilled Worker Program. Requirements included:
- A minimum oral French proficiency of 7 (NCLC)
- A score of at least 573 or a valid job offer outside the Montreal region
Quebec typically shares information on invitations retrospectively.
Understanding Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) enables Canadian provinces to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residence. Each province manages its own PNP streams with unique eligibility criteria. PNP invitations can be issued through:
- Base PNPs: Applicants apply directly to the province, and upon nomination, receive an invitation from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Enhanced PNPs: These align with Canada’s Express Entry system, offering candidates 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, leading to an expedited process.
Applications submitted through enhanced PNPs typically process in around six months, while base PNP applications may take up to 12 months.
Quebec’s Immigration Program: A Distinct Approach
Quebec operates independently in setting its immigration targets and does not rely on IRCC allocations. Successful applicants to Quebec’s programs receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), which they submit to IRCC to obtain permanent residence.
These updates highlight the dynamic opportunities available across Canada’s provinces, each tailored to meet regional needs and support candidates in specific fields seeking Canadian permanent residence.
