Manitoba and Prince Edward Island hold draws for Provincial Nomination

Both provinces have issued over 100 ITAs in their most recent draws. (File Photo: Sasan Hezarkhani/Unsplash)

Manitoba and Prince Edward Island have issued invitations to apply to candidates through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) this week.

Most Canadian provinces and territories (with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut) operate their own PNPs. Through these programs, interested candidates may be invited to apply for provincial nomination. Receiving a provincial nomination can be advantageous towards gaining permanent residence.

Quebec’s immigration programs are administered by the province and are distinct from Canada’s immigration programs. Quebec is the only province that has control over all economic class immigrants.

The PNP accounts for 105,000 PR admissions per year. It began in 1998 and the annual number of PNP admissions has since increased steadily. Both federal and provincial governments consider it an effective tool to promote economic development outside of urban centers.

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NOC 2021

The introduction of the NOC 2021 means provinces have held fewer draws recently as they adapt the eligibility criteria for their PNPs to be compatible with the updated system.

Recently, IRCC switched to using a newer version of the National Occupation Classification (NOC 2021). As a result, provinces have been adapting their internal systems to accommodate new eligibility criteria. This caused a slow down in PNP draws.

For example, until October 12, British Columbia held draws through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) on a weekly basis but has yet to resume draws.

Over the past month, BC has made drastic changes to its points allocation system. The BC PNP provincial points system works much like the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Notably, points have been removed for National Occupation Class (NOC) skill levels. The NOC system is Canada’s main way of classifying jobs and has recently moved to a TEER classification.

• As a result, the number of points assigned to human capital (skills, experience education and competencies of the individual) and economic factors (job offer, income, district of employment) of applicants has increased;
• Additional points have been added for professional designations and language proficiency in both English and French;
• Points have been added for previous experience working or studying outside of metropolitan Vancouver.

Provincial immigration results November 11-18

Manitoba

Manitoba invited a total of 518 candidates under the Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program.To be invited, candidates must meet a baseline of criteria specific to their program. In total, the province invited:

• Skilled Workers in Manitoba issued 177 invitations with a minimum score of 616
• Skilled Workers Overseas issued 143 invitations with a minimum score of 703
• International Education Stream issued 198 invitations with no score requirement.

Out of all who were invited to apply, 125 had profiles in the Express Entry system.

The province will continue to process all Expressions of Interest (EOI) received before November 16 under the NOC 2016. Any EOIs received on or after November 16 will be evaluated under NOC 2021.

Prince Edward Island

On November 17, Prince Edward Island invited 141 candidates through the Labour and Express Entry streams as well as eight through the Business Work Permit Entrepreneur streams for a total of 149 invitations issued. Candidates in the Business Work Permit Entrepreneur stream required a minimum score of 62.

The province also invited 39 candidates through the Labour and Express Entry stream on November 3.

Express Entry candidates who wish to be nominated by PEI must submit a separate Expression of Interest (EOI) to the PEI PNP.

EOI profiles are awarded a score based on PEI’s points grid and, like the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply through monthly draws.

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