In the past two months, Canada has continued to hold PNP-linked Express Entry draws only, inviting 1,569 candidates in October. 

The country has not held another draw inviting Express Entry candidates from any other federal program since the last Canadian Experience Class draw last Septembre 14. 

Despite this, the high levels of activity from Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) provincial nominee programs (PNPs) ensure a steady stream of candidates are still being welcomed into the country.

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program

The first Provincial Nominee Program was established in 1998. Initially starting small, with only 200 admitted applicants, they have now expanded. Collectively, Canada’s entire Provincial Nominee Program facilitates the intake of over 80,000 permanent residents each year. 

At present, there are 11 provinces and territories currently participating in the Provincial Nominee Program, with the exception of Nunavut and Quebec. 

In fact, many provinces have launched their own nomination programs, tailored to suit their needs. There are now over 80 different streams available to foreign skilled workers hoping to immigrate to Canada, provided they can supplement the labor market and economic needs of different provinces.

Most PNPs are linked to the federal Express Entry system, which manages the pool of economic immigration candidates. The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary source of immigration. 

Candidates with profiles in the Express Entry system automatically receive an additional 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score upon successfully receiving a provincial nomination. This basically guarantees them an invitation to apply for permanent residency during the next Express Entry round. 

Apart from Express Entry, candidates can also achieve permanent residency through Provincial Nominee Programs outside of the Express Entry system. These are known as ‘base’ programs.

PNP-Linked Express Entry: Highlights for September 2021

In October, IRCC conducted two Express Entry draws targeting PNP candidates: 

• October 13, 2021 – 681 candidates invited
• October 27, 2021 – 888 candidates invited

Since the beginning of 2021, IRCC has been holding draws under PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) categories only. There have been 21 PNP-specific draws so far this year and the number of invitations to apply via Express Entry has reached record levels this year.

Alberta

Alberta held only one draw this month, inviting 293 candidates through their Express Entry-linked stream. 

British Columbia

British Columbia held a total of six draws, inviting 960 candidates to apply for a provincial nomination through the Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) and Skills Immigration (SI) streams. The number of invitations issued per month has remained consistent every month this year so far. 

Manitoba

The province of Manitoba issued 885 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) in two draws through these three streams: 

• Skilled Workers in Manitoba
• International Education Stream
• Skilled Workers Overseas

Ontario

Ontario held seven draws over the course of October, inviting 2,620 immigration candidates to apply for permanent residency:

• October 6 – 486 candidates through the Human Capital Priorities stream, after a two-month hiatus;
• October 7 – 162 candidates through the French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) stream;
• October 21 – a total of 546 candidates through the Masters Graduate, PhD Graduate, and Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker streams;
• October 27 – 1,406 candidates through another Human Capital Priorities draw;
• October 28 – 20 candidates through the Entrepreneur stream.

Prince Edward Island

PEI held one pre-scheduled draw on October 21. A total of 204 invitations were issued through three different categories: 

• 195 were issued to candidates in the Express Entry and Labor Impact categories;
• The remaining 20 were issued to candidates in the Business Impact category. 

If you’d like to know more about the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and your immigration options, register to one of our private online discussions. Register to an orientation for free here.

Like and follow our Facebook page or join our LinkedIn community to get the latest updates on immigration news.