Ontario and British Columbia Nominate New Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates

On September 5th, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted a draw through the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, issuing 96 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores ranging from 290 to 393.

The French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream is designed for French-speaking skilled workers who wish to settle in Ontario. To qualify, candidates must meet the federal Express Entry eligibility criteria through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), possess relevant work experience, meet language proficiency standards, hold a recognized degree, intend to reside in Ontario, and demonstrate sufficient settlement funds. Candidates cannot apply directly; they must receive a NOI from Ontario before proceeding with their permanent residence (PR) application through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

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

The first was a general draw, issuing 75 invitations to candidates in the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level & Semi-Skilled streams. The minimum score required for most streams was 128, while the Entry & Semi-Skilled stream required a minimum score of 110.

The second draw focused on targeted sectors of British Columbia’s economy, specifically through the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams. The results were as follows:

• 31 candidates with childcare experience were invited with a minimum score of 83.
• 33 candidates with healthcare experience required a minimum score of 89.
• 19 candidates with tech experience needed a minimum score of 99.
• At least one candidate in the healthcare sector was invited with a minimum score of 80.

A list of in-demand occupations in British Columbia is available online.

Closure of Saskatchewan’s Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot Effective August 30, 2024, Saskatchewan’s 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. However, applications submitted with valid Candidate-Specific Job Approval Letters will still be processed.

The program’s closure is aimed at streamlining immigration pathways and improving settlement outcomes. Other SINP categories remain open, and alternative pathways are available for prospective applicants.

SINP will hold information sessions on alternative immigration options on September 6 and 11, 2024. More details are available via email or through SINP’s contact channels.