This week both the Ontario Immigrant Nomination Program (OINP) and the British Columbia Provincial Nomination Program (BCPNP) held provincial selections for their respective Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP).

Candidates were selected on the basis of their professional experience, employment and linguistic proficiency.

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Provincial Immigration Results (August 31-September 6)

Ontario

The OINP held a draw for the French-speaking skilled worker stream on September 5. The province issued notifications of interest (NOIs) to 96 candidates who had Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores between 290 and 393.

The French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream is for French-speaking skilled workers who want to settle in Ontario. To be eligible, candidates must qualify for the federal Express Entry pool through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), meet specific work experience and language proficiency requirements, obtain a recognized degree, intend to live in Ontario, and demonstrate sufficient settlement funds. Candidates cannot apply directly and must first obtain an NOI Ontario to proceed with their permanent residence (PR) application at Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

british columbia

The BCPNP held two provincial nomination draws on September 4 through several different streams.

The first draw was a general selection in the Skilled Worker, International Graduate and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled streams. The draw saw 75 invitations issued to candidates with a minimum score of 128 – except for the Entry and Semi-Skilled stream which required a minimum score of 110.

The second draw was a targeted selection for candidates with work experience in key sectors of British Columbia’s economy, including the skilled worker and international graduate streams. Details of this draw are below:

• 31 candidates with professional experience in childcare needed a minimum of 83 points to be invited;
• 33 candidates with professional experience in childcare needed a minimum of 89 points to be invited;
• 19 candidates with professional experience in child care needed a minimum of 99 points to be invited; and
• At least one candidate with professional experience in child care was required to achieve a minimum of 80 points to be invited.

A list of in-demand positions in British Columbia can be found here.

Discontinuation of hard skills pilot program in Saskatchewan

As of August 30, 2024, the Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has been permanently closed. No new applications or job acceptance forms will be accepted after this date. However, any previously submitted applications with a valid candidate-specific job acceptance letter will still be processed until complete.

The closures are intended to streamline immigration pathways and improve settlement outcomes. Other program categories under the SINP will remain open, and alternative routes are available for potential applicants.

SINP will be holding information sessions on alternative options on September 6 and 11, 2024. Further assistance and details on this change are available via email or SINP’s contact channels.

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