British Columbia and Alberta Issue PNP Invitations and Alberta Updates Processing Times

Recently, British Columbia (BC) and Alberta issued invitations to apply for provincial nomination under their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Alberta also provided updates on processing times for its immigration programs.

British Columbia PNP Invitations

On November 13, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued at least 25 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in two separate draws:

1. General Draw: This draw invited 10 candidates across multiple streams, with the following minimum scores:
• Skilled Worker: 143
• Skilled Worker – Express Entry BC (EEBC): 143
• International Graduate: 143
• International Graduate – EEBC: 143
• Entry-Level & Semi-Skilled: 121
  
  
2. Category-Based Draw: BC issued at least 15 ITAs for specific occupations under the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams, including the EEBC option. Here are the details:
• Childcare: 5 ITAs, minimum score 102
• Construction: 4 ITAs, minimum score 105
• Healthcare: 5 ITAs, minimum score 113
• Veterinary Care: Fewer than 5 ITAs, minimum score 80
  
  

Candidates can apply directly to the BC PNP or link their application to an Express Entry profile using the EEBC option, which can lead to faster processing times for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Note that there is no EEBC option for the Entry-Level & Semi-Skilled stream.

Alberta PNP Invitations

Between October 15 and November 7, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) held four draws. Here are the results:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream (November 7): 187 invitations, minimum score 50
• Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Non-Express Entry (November 4): 33 invitations, minimum score 44
• Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry (November 4): 65 invitations, minimum score 51
• Tourism and Hospitality Stream (October 15): 302 invitations, minimum score 70
  
  

Eligibility Criteria for Alberta Draws:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream: Minimum CLB 5, valid work permit, 12+ months of work experience, full-time Alberta job offer, and an in-demand trade occupation.
• Dedicated Health Care Pathway: Minimum CLB 5, full-time Alberta job offer, and legal authorization to practice a regulated occupation.
• Tourism and Hospitality Stream: Minimum CLB 4, valid LMIA-based work permit, full-time Alberta job offer, and 6+ months of work experience in Alberta.
  
  

Alberta Processing Times Update

The AAIP updated processing times on November 7 for various streams. Here’s a quick overview:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream: 1,401 applications in the queue, 5,065 nominations issued out of 5,264 allocation spaces, with 199 spaces remaining.
• Rural Renewal Stream: 1,407 applications in the queue, 1,757 nominations issued.
• Other streams like Tourism and Hospitality Stream and Dedicated Healthcare Pathway have also been updated.
  
  

Temporary Public Policy for PNP Candidates

On August 11, IRCC introduced a temporary public policy allowing some PNP candidates to apply for open work permits. Alberta, Manitoba, and Yukon have implemented measures under this policy, which remains effective until December 31, 2024, unless revoked by IRCC.

About the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The PNP allows provinces and territories to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residency. Once nominated, candidates can apply to the federal government for permanent residency. While most provinces participate, Quebec and Nunavut have their own separate immigration programs.