Ontario & BC Select Top Talent in Provincial Nominee Programs

This week, both the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) conducted their latest rounds of selections for their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). The candidates selected were chosen based on their professional experience, employment history, and language proficiency.

Ontario PNP Draw – September 5th

On September 5th, Ontario held a draw through its French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. In this draw, the province issued 96 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores ranging from 290 to 393.

The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream targets French-speaking individuals who wish to settle in Ontario. To qualify, candidates must be eligible for the federal Express Entry pool through either the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). They must also meet specific work experience and language proficiency requirements, possess a recognized degree, intend to reside in Ontario, and demonstrate sufficient settlement funds.

Unlike other streams, candidates cannot apply directly but must first receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario before proceeding with their permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

British Columbia PNP Draws – September 4th

British Columbia conducted two provincial nominee draws on September 4th, targeting different streams.

The first draw was a general selection across the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level & Semi-Skilled streams. A total of 75 invitations were issued, with minimum scores set at 128 for most streams, except for the Entry Level & Semi-Skilled stream, which required a minimum score of 110.

The second draw was a targeted selection focusing on candidates with work experience in key sectors of the British Columbia economy, specifically within the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams. The results of this targeted draw are as follows:

• 31 candidates with professional experience in childcare were invited with a minimum score of 83.
• 33 candidates with professional experience in childcare were invited with a minimum score of 89.
• 19 candidates with professional experience in childcare were invited with a minimum score of 99.
• At least one candidate with professional experience in childcare was invited with a minimum score of 80.

British Columbia's in-demand job list, which was considered for this draw, is available for reference.

Closure of the Saskatchewan Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot – Effective August 30, 2024

In other immigration news, Saskatchewan has permanently closed its Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) as of August 30, 2024. No new applications or job approval forms will be accepted for this pilot. However, applications that have already been submitted with a valid Candidate-Specific Job Approval Letter will continue to be processed.

The closure is part of Saskatchewan’s effort to streamline its immigration pathways and improve settlement outcomes. Other SINP categories remain open, and alternative immigration pathways are available for those seeking to move to Saskatchewan.

To assist applicants, SINP will host information sessions on alternative options on September 6 and 11, 2024. Further details and support are available via email or through SINP's contact channels.