Several Provincial Nominee Programs around the country continue to work to get immigration applicants closer to the widely sought-after status of permanent residency.
Provincial nominee programs (PNPs) are blessings for overseas nationals who have worked or studied in the province to immigrate to Canada, and in some cases, for those who have not. In spite of Canada's temporary coronavirus travel restrictions, most PNPs still keep invitation rounds
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has held three draws in the past few weeks. For these draws, which all took place in late April, tradespeople in specific occupations, French-speakers and Entrepreneurs were targeted.
Hitherto 2020, invitations under
• Human Capital Priorities stream to 1440 primary applicants,
• French-speaking skilled worker stream to 549 applicants,
• Skilled trades stream to 190 applicants were sent by the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program
As per the province’s 2019 PNP Results, ultimately, 7,391 principal applicants who had profiles in Express Entry program brought in 6,340 spouses and dependents to Ontario in 2019 for a total of 13,731 new immigrants. PNP allocation numbers to Ontario for 2020 have not yet been issued by the federal government.
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
So far this year, eight draws have been held by the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). The AINP-managed Alberta Express Entry Stream kept draws inviting federal Express Entry candidates with comprehensive Ranking System scores of as low as 300 to apply for a provincial nomination.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
So far this year the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) held five draws inviting candidates from the streams of Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand. To be eligible, candidates in those categories must submit an Expression of Interest.
The draw held after the advent of travel restrictions on coronavirus targeted only Occupation In-Demand applicants, inviting 205 people from 71 occupations to apply for a nomination.
SINP applicants will now seek an extension of six months to apply for permanent residence with the federal government as part of special coronavirus steps
B.C. PNP
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) continues to regularly hold draws, inviting candidates with job offers in 29 eligible occupations in the province and particularly those working in the tech sector
In reaction to COVID-19 related steps in the province, specific occupations were left out of the draw in the March 30 and April 16 draws.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
So far this year, the MPNP has issued 1931 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to immigration applicants in these groups including the most recent draw on May 7.
Since travel restrictions were implemented on March 18, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee System (MPNP) has kept four draws, and ten draws since the beginning of the year.
Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program
On April 27th the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) held its first-year draw. For this invitation round, French-speaking Express Entry candidates have been invited to apply for a provincial nomination.
These candidates required a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 8 in all French language skills such as speaking, reading, writing and listening. Including at least CLB Level 6 in all English language skills.
