Monthly Roundup: Break Down of May PNP Draw Trends

How do Provincial Nominee Programs Operate?

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who possess the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the province's economy. Each province and territory has its own unique PNP with streams targeting different groups, such as skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and others.

British Columbia

In May 2021, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) conducted several draws through its Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC streams. These draws targeted candidates in various categories, including skilled workers, international graduates, and entry-level and semi-skilled workers. Notably, BC continued to prioritize tech workers through its BC PNP Tech Pilot, which has since become a permanent program known as BC PNP Tech. The minimum scores for these draws varied depending on the category, but generally ranged from 80 to 105 points.

Alberta

Alberta, through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), issued invitations under the Alberta Express Entry stream. This stream targets candidates with profiles in the federal Express Entry pool who have demonstrated strong ties to Alberta or have skills and experience that support Alberta's economic development and diversification. In May 2021, Alberta held multiple draws with CRS score requirements ranging from 300 to 350, which were significantly lower than the typical Express Entry CRS scores. This provided an opportunity for candidates with lower CRS scores to receive a provincial nomination.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) held draws through its Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand streams. These streams target candidates with experience in occupations that are in high demand in Saskatchewan. The SINP draws in May 2021 required candidates to have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and a minimum score of 69 points. The draws also focused on candidates with experience in specific NOC codes, reflecting Saskatchewan's labor market needs.

Manitoba

Manitoba conducted draws through its Skilled Workers in Manitoba, Skilled Workers Overseas, and International Education streams. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) prioritizes candidates with a strong connection to Manitoba, such as those who have worked or studied in the province, or have family members residing in Manitoba. The draws in May 2021 had varying score requirements depending on the stream, but generally ranged from 450 to 600 points.

Ontario

Ontario, through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), held several draws targeting candidates in the Express Entry pool with experience in specific tech occupations. These draws were conducted under the Human Capital Priorities stream and targeted candidates with CRS scores above 460. Additionally, Ontario also issued invitations to candidates with French-language proficiency through its French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, demonstrating Ontario's commitment to attracting bilingual candidates.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island (PEI) issued invitations through its PEI PNP Express Entry, Labour Impact, and Business Impact streams. The PEI PNP Express Entry stream targets candidates in the federal Express Entry pool who have the skills and experience to meet PEI's labor market needs. The Labour Impact stream targets skilled workers and critical workers who have a valid job offer from a PEI employer. The Business Impact stream is for entrepreneurs who wish to start or invest in a business in PEI. The specific requirements and draw sizes for PEI PNP draws are typically not disclosed.