Ontario and British Columbia Select Provincial Nominee Program Candidates: A Simple Overview

This week, Ontario and British Columbia held provincial selections for their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), allowing candidates to move closer to Canadian permanent residency. Both programs selected candidates based on their professional experience, employment, and language skills.

Ontario's Provincial Nominee Draw

On September 5th, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held a draw under the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. A total of 96 candidates were issued Notifications of Interest (NOIs) with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score ranging between 290 and 393.

The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is designed for French-speaking individuals who want to live and work in Ontario. To qualify, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be eligible for the federal Express Entry pool through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• Meet work experience and French language proficiency standards.
• Hold a recognized degree.
• Intend to live in Ontario and have sufficient settlement funds.
  
  

Candidates cannot apply directly. Instead, they must receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario, allowing them to apply for permanent residence through Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Draws

On September 4th, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) held two separate draws.

1. General Selection Draw: This draw invited 75 candidates across several streams, including Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry-Level & Semi-Skilled. Candidates needed a minimum score of 128, except for the Entry-Level & Semi-Skilled stream, which required a score of 110.
2. Targeted Selection Draw: This draw focused on key sectors in British Columbia. Candidates with work experience in childcare were invited through the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams. Here’s the breakdown of the minimum scores required:
• 31 candidates needed a score of 83.
• 33 candidates needed a score of 89.
• 19 candidates needed a score of 99.
• At least one candidate needed a score of 80.
  
  

British Columbia frequently targets specific sectors to address labor shortages. For a list of in-demand positions in British Columbia, check the official website.

Saskatchewan's Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot Ends

As of August 30, 2024, the Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has been permanently closed. No new applications or job approval forms will be accepted after this date, but any existing applications with a valid Candidate-Specific Job Approval Letter will still be processed.

The closure is part of Saskatchewan's efforts to streamline immigration and improve settlement outcomes. Other SINP program categories remain open, and the province is offering information sessions on alternative pathways on September 6 and 11, 2024.