BC and Manitoba’s PNP draw results and why Saskatchewan draws have been smaller this year

Most Canadian provinces and territories (except for and Nunavut) operate their own (PNPs). These programs invite interested candidates to apply for a provincial nomination. If the invited candidates receive the nomination, they are then able to use it to support their application for .

This past week, three Canadian provinces held draws inviting immigration candidates to take the next step on their pathway to permanent residence.

Saskatchewan

The (SINP) invited a total of 85 immigration candidates to apply for a provincial nomination on March 8.

Compared to draws from other years, Saskatchewan's draws have all been smaller this year. So far in 2022, Saskatchewan has invited a total of 225 candidates to apply, compared to 1,975 candidates invited by March 11, 2021.

"EOI draws invite persons with experience and education in in-demand occupations who do not have employment offers," a media spokesperson from the Saskatchewan government wrote in an email to ɫ��.

"The SINP prioritizes applications from persons with employment offers from Saskatchewan employers to address urgent labour shortages. As we have received a higher number of applications from persons with employment offers in recent months, the EOI draws have been adjusted to reflect that."

In the March 8 invitation round, 39 invitations went to and 43 invitations went to candidates. The minimum (EOI) score requirement was 87 for both categories of candidates, and they needed to have work experience in one of .

In response to the crisis in Ukraine, Saskatchewan also issued three invitations to Express Entry candidates who are living in Ukraine. Saskatchewan had also done this on March 4, inviting 36 Ukrainians to apply for a provincial nomination.

Manitoba

The (MPNP) invited 120 candidates to apply on March 10. The invitations were divvied across three immigration streams:

— 50 invitations with a minimum score of 781;
— 34 invitations with a minimum score of 718; and
— 36 invitations with no score requirement.

Out of all who were invited to apply, 33 had profiles in the Express Entry system.

On March 9, Manitoba held a special draw for Ukrainians. Canada issued 71 invitations to Ukraine citizens who have an Expression of Interest profile in Manitoba's pool of candidates. Invitations were issued to those who had a (CLB) of at least 4 in all skill sets according to a valid language test. Candidates also need a connection to Manitoba such as a close relative, a family member, community, previous employment or studies in the province. They also need to score at least 60 points according to the MPNP's assessment criteria.

BC

The (BC PNP) held its weekly round of invitations on March 8. A total of 204 BC immigration candidates received invitations to apply for a provincial nomination.

The province held two draws through the the (SI) and (EEBC) streams. Invitations were issued to those from the ,�� as well as sub-categories of SI and EEBC streams.

The majority of the invitations, 191, were sent through a general draw. These candidates received invitations if they met the minimum score requirements between 77 and 128 depending on the program for which they are eligible.

Another draw targeted candidates whose occupation falls under NOC 0621 (retail and wholesale trade managers) or NOC 0631 (restaurant and food service managers). That draw resulted in 13 invitations with minimum scores of 128 across the board.

Throughout the pandemic, British Columbia has been conducting a separate round of invitations twice a month targeting these two occupations. These separate draws are being held due to the high number of candidates from particular labour market sectors who are registered in the province’s (SIRS).

About Express Entry and non-Express Entry PNPs

There are two types of PNPs: enhanced PNPs which invite candidates from the system, and base PNPs which operate through the province's own application management system. Through enhanced PNPs, nominated candidates automatically get 600 points added to their score. This award primes them to receive an (ITA) for permanent residence in a subsequent .

Base PNP applications are in the process of going more digital. (IRCC) has soft launched a permanent residence that allows some base PNP applicants to apply online. IRCC told ɫ�� in an email the portal is expected to be fully implemented for all applications in the spring or summer.

ɫ�����