British Columbia and Manitoba have invited candidates through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Each PNP evaluates candidates using its own scoring system, making it unsuitable to compare scores across programs.

British Columbia

On November 20, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) conducted a category-based draw targeting the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams, including the Express Entry BC (EEBC) option.

A total of 16 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with cut-off scores determined by the targeted industries and professions:

  • Childcare: Minimum score of 102 (3 invitations)
  • Construction: Minimum score of 107 (4 invitations)
  • Healthcare: Minimum score of 116 (4 invitations)
  • Tech: Minimum score of 141 (4 invitations)
  • Veterinary care: Minimum score of 80 (fewer than 5 invitations)

Applicants can choose to apply directly through the BC PNP base category or link their application to their Express Entry profile via the EEBC option.

The EEBC stream offers faster processing times for both the BC PNP application and, if nominated, the subsequent permanent residence application.

Manitoba

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducted three draws on November 8, issuing a total of 274 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) across various immigration streams.

Occupation-Specific Draw (Skilled Workers in Manitoba):

  • This draw targeted candidates in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 unit group 60030, which includes restaurant and food service managers.
  • The Canadian government issued a total of 41 LAAs to candidates in this category.
  • The minimum score required for an invitation was 672.

International Education Stream:

  • This stream invited 188 candidates who had graduated from educational institutions in Manitoba and met specific criteria.
  • No minimum score threshold was disclosed for this category.

Skilled Worker Overseas Stream:

  • A total of 45 LAAs were extended to candidates who had participated in a strategic recruitment initiative.
  • These candidates needed a minimum score of 703 to qualify for an invitation.

The draws reflect Manitoba’s ongoing efforts to address labor market needs and attract qualified talent to the province.

An Overview of PNP Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are designed as economic immigration initiatives that target skilled individuals with the expertise and experience needed to address labor market demands within specific provinces or territories. These programs aim to select candidates who can contribute to the regional economy by filling critical in-demand roles.

Moreover, In 1998, the Canadian government introduced the PNP to ensure that the advantages of immigration were distributed more evenly across Canada, beyond the major metropolitan hubs. The program empowers provinces and territories to nominate individuals who express a desire to immigrate to Canada. Furthermore, these individuals must be committed to settling within a specific region.

Currently, there are over 90 distinct provincial immigration pathways available. These streams cater to diverse profiles of foreign nationals, offering tailored opportunities that align with their unique skills, qualifications, and aspirations. This extensive network of streams provides more personalized pathways to Canadian permanent residency. Moreover, it effectively addresses regional economic and demographic needs.