Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs | February Month's Overview

Highlights of February Month’s Provincial Nominee Program Draws

All Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) operate their own Provincial Nominee Programs. These programs allow provincial governments to select the most suitable candidates to meet their local labour market needs.

The below chart shows data of all PNP draws that were held in February 2023

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

British Columbia held a total of 4 draws in February, inviting 897 candidates to apply for provincial nomination through Express Entry BC and skills immigration streams. In January 2023, British Columbia had held 4 draws & a total of 736 candidates were issued invitations. The below chart gives a summary of invitations issued by the province in the last 6 months.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

The province of Manitoba attracts tourists and immigrants from all over the world with its breath-taking lakes, world-class museums, and unique festivals. The province conducted 3 draws in the month of February and a total of 891 candidates were invited. The below chart gives a summary of invitations issued by the province in the last 6 months.

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

The province of PEI, through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) invited a total of 222 candidates during February.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Ontario – one of the most populous provinces & a preferred destination for newcomers held 3 draws in February. In the month of February, the province had issued a total of 304 invitations.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Saskatchewan is part of Canada’s breadbasket, producing more wheat than any other province in Canada and more than many countries. The province conducted a draw in February, with total of 420 invitations, the below chart gives a summary of invitations issued by the province over the last Six months.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

The Canadian province of Alberta allures visitors & tourists from all over the world with its stunning mountains, ski trails, museums, and distinctive festivals. Though the province conducted a draw in the month of February with total of 100 invitations issued, the below chart gives a summary of invitations issued by the province over the last several months.

Quebec

The province of Quebec has conducted the draw and invited a total of 2022 candidates during February.

Other provinces:

In February, no draws were conducted by New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

What are Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) & How Do They Work?

Provincial Nominee Programs are fast-tracked Canadian immigration programs and provide a unique pathway to immigrate to Canada.

There are two types of provincial nomination programs:

Base nominations: these streams work outside of the Express Entry system and are managed by provinces themselves. Base nominations are subject to streams and processing standards. The candidates opting for base nomination should meet the criteria for a PNP pathway, then apply and if successful receive a nomination certificate. Once the nomination certificate is received the candidate can apply for permanent residence status with the IRCC.

Enhanced nominations: these streams are linked with the Express Entry system. Provincial immigration officials search for suitable candidates who match specific criteria. These provinces then invite the eligible candidates to apply for provincial nomination.

What is Express Entry & How Does it Work?

Express Entry is an electronic selection system used by the Federal as well as Provincial governments of Canada [to select], as well as designated Canadian employers [to nominate] candidates for Canadian permanent residence under three of its popular economic [skilled] immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC),
• Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC),
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

 Candidates eligible for any of the above programs are given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry Pool. It is based on their Core/Human capital factors such as age, work experience, education, and language ability in English and/or French, etc. And, based on scores, candidates are periodically invited (or nominated) for permanent residence.