Ontario and British Columbia (B.C.) issued the latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw results this week.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) highlighted the most recent opportunities for skilled immigrants in B.C. and Ontario by selecting individuals based on their employment history, professional experience, and language proficiency.

Ontario and B.C issued the latest PNP draw results 

Ontario 

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) recently conducted a draw for its French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. This draw resulted in 96 invitations for French-speaking skilled workers to apply for permanent residence in Ontario. The minimum CRS score required for this draw was 290, while the maximum was 393.

The French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream is specifically designed to attract French-speaking skilled workers to Ontario. To be eligible, candidates must meet certain criteria, including having a qualifying CRS score, French language proficiency, work experience, education, and settlement funds. They must also demonstrate their intention to reside in Ontario.

It’s important to note that candidates cannot directly apply to this stream. Instead, they must first receive a NOI from Ontario. Once they have an NOI, they can then proceed with their permanent residence application through IRCC.

This stream offers a valuable opportunity for skilled French-speaking immigrants to contribute to Ontario’s economy and become part of its communities.

British Columbia

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) held two distinct draws across many streams on September 4.

The Entry Level & Semi-Skilled, International Graduate, and Skilled Worker streams were all included in the initial draw, which was a general selection. 75 invitations were sent out in this draw, with the Entry Level & Semi-Skilled stream requiring a minimum score of 110 and the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams requiring a minimum score of 128.

Through the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams, individuals with work experience in important sectors of the British Columbian economy were the focus of the second draw. The following are the specifics of this targeted draw:

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

These deliberate choices show how B.C. is focusing on filling workforce shortages in vital industries like daycare.

Saskatchewan Ends Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot Program

As of August 30, 2024, the Saskatchewan government has permanently discontinued the Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot under the SINP. This means that no new applications or job approval forms will be accepted for this specific immigration pathway.

However, individuals who have already submitted their applications with a valid Candidate-Specific Job Approval Letter will still have their applications processed to completion. This ensures that those who were in the process of immigrating through this pilot will not be negatively impacted.

The decision to close the Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot was made to streamline the immigration process and improve the overall settlement experience for newcomers to Saskatchewan. While this particular pathway is no longer available, other options for immigration to the province remain. Individuals seeking to move to Saskatchewan can explore these alternative pathways.

To help potential immigrants explore alternative pathways, the SINP will be hosting information sessions on September 6 and 11, 2024. These sessions will provide valuable information about other available immigration programs and processes.

If you have questions or require further assistance regarding this change, you can contact the SINP directly through their email or other designated channels.