British Columbia and Prince Edward Island issue invitations in latest PNP draws

Edana Robitaille
Published: April 1, 2023

British Columbia and Prince Edward Island have invited candidates in the most recent round of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.

Immigration is a shared responsibility between the federal government and the provinces and both forms of government see the PNP as an efficient method for selecting the candidates who will fulfill the immigration minister’s mandate of welcoming newcomers who will contribute to Canada’s economy.

PNPs allow provinces to select economic immigration candidates who they feel will have a positive impact on the provincial economy and integrate easily. This makes them more likely to settle in the province.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Receiving a provincial nomination makes it more likely that an Express Entry candidate will get an invitation to apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This is because Express Entry candidates in the PNP automatically receive an additional 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Candidates with higher CRS scores are more likely to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in upcoming Express Entry draws.

Provincial Nominee Programs have the largest target for permanent resident admissions in the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025. In 2023, over 105,000 PNP candidates are expected to be welcomed under the plan, rising to 117,000 per year by the end of 2025.

Provincial immigration results March 25-31

British Columbia

British Columbia invited more than 211 candidates under the BC PNP on March 30. The province typically holds weekly draws.

Among the candidates from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate stream (including EEBC option), 165 were invited in a targeted draw for tech occupations. Candidates required a minimum score of 65 under the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), which works much like the Comprehensive Ranking System.

The province also invited candidates working in the following occupations.

  • 23 early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) with scores of at least 60 points;
  • 23 healthcare workers from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, including Express Entry category, with scores of at least 60 points and;
  • Other priority occupations with scores of at least 60

Prince Edward Island

Also on March 30, Prince Edward Island invited 113 candidates under the PEI PNP Labour and Express Entry stream.

This is the third draw in March for PEI, which is unusual for the province, as it typically only holds draws once a month.

It is also the second draw in March that did not include candidates from PEI’s business work permit entrepreneur stream. Again, this is unusual for the province, as it nearly always includes candidates from this stream in each draw. The last time this occurred was in December 2022.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
New Brunswick pauses several permanent residence pathways
A landscape in Moncton, New Brunswick.
Canada holds first healthcare Express Entry draw since July
A scenic lake with a mountain in the background on a summer day
British Columbia and Alberta invite PNP candidates
New survey reveals the happiest provinces in Canada
A person holds a cutout of a smiley face in front of their face.
Top Stories
Canada-US to change border crossing hours at multiple ports of entry in 2025
New Brunswick pauses several permanent residence pathways
Free tools and resources for your immigration journey
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
Free tools and resources for your immigration journey
A person accesses powerful web tools that will help them immigrate to Canada.
How the Canadian government supports newcomers with Canada Connects
A multicultural group of youths sit on the steps of a building in Toronto, laughing and socializing.
IRCC to update application fees on December 1
A couple looks to their laptop, credit card in hand, anticipating the online payment of their IRCC fees.
International students in Canada can work 24 hours a week off-campus
A young woman walks while carrying a laptop
Link copied to clipboard