Recent Provincial Immigration Draws in British Columbia, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island

In the past week, three Canadian provinces—British Columbia (B.C.), Quebec, and Prince Edward Island (PEI)—have invited candidates to apply for their respective provincial immigration programs.

British Columbia and PEI Draws Through Provincial Nominee Programs

British Columbia and PEI conducted their draws through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Canada’s provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) have PNPs because immigration is a shared responsibility between Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the provincial governments. Each year, the IRCC allocates a certain number of nominations to each province, allowing them to select economic immigration candidates who are likely to thrive in their local economies.

Every PNP has different streams tailored to various candidates, such as international graduates, skilled workers, or those willing to work in rural areas. Most provinces use a scoring system similar to the federal Comprehensive Ranking System but adapted for provincial use.

Quebec's Unique Immigration System

Unlike other provinces, Quebec operates outside the PNP system. The province has a unique agreement with the federal government that gives it complete control over the selection of economic immigrants.

Provincial Immigration Results from August 17-23

British Columbia

On August 20, B.C. invited 156 candidates to apply through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The province conducts these draws almost every week.

This time, B.C. held four separate draws under the Skilled Immigration category. The largest draw was general and invited 83 candidates from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled streams. Candidates needed a score of 130 to qualify, except for those in the Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled stream, who required a score of 110.

Additionally, there were three occupation-specific draws for Skilled Worker and International Graduate candidates:

• 38 invitations for childcare occupations (minimum score: 85)
• 20 invitations for construction occupations (minimum score: 89)
• 15 invitations for healthcare occupations (minimum score: 99)
  
  

Quebec

Quebec retroactively published the results of a draw held on August 8. The Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI) invited 1,415 candidates to apply for permanent selection through the Regular Skilled Worker Program. Candidates needed a minimum score of 576 and at least level 7 oral proficiency in French.

Prince Edward Island

PEI conducted a draw on August 22, inviting 57 candidates through the Labour and Express Entry stream of the PEI PNP. It was PEI’s first draw in over a month. The draw focused on candidates working in PEI's healthcare and construction sectors. Those with work permits expiring in 2024 in sectors like tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and trucking were also considered.

These provincial draws offer opportunities for skilled workers and graduates to immigrate to Canada, contributing to the country's economic growth.