Immigration Minister Marc Miller gathered with provincial and territorial counterparts in Toronto for discussions on mutual objectives. These ministers, constituting the Federation of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI), convene biannually to serve as a decision-making entity dedicated to fostering a responsive and efficient immigration system in Canada. The Federation of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) is committed to advancing shared immigration priorities and improving the country's immigration policies and programs.
After the conference, Minister Miller held a press briefing, reiterating key points from the release of the Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026. He explained the department's perspective that the plan would contribute to sustainable population growth in Canada, particularly by providing essential support to the healthcare and construction sectors.
The latest Federation of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) meeting occurred in March in Halifax, where the focus was primarily on approving a multi-year levels plan for the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). In Halifax, the Federation of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) emphasized the endorsement of a multi-year allocation system for PNP programs. This adjustment means that provincial and territorial governments will now be informed of their PNP allocations up to three years in advance, a departure from the previous annual notification process.
A multi-year plan offers provinces the advantage of better planning, ensuring that they can adequately provide settlement services, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure for newcomers while considering the needs of existing residents.
During the meeting, ministers delved into additional topics, including enhancements to international education recognition, and facilitating expedited entry for professionals in high-demand sectors like healthcare and construction. Discussions also revolved around the expansion of programs such as the Atlantic Immigration Program and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program.
Canada's recently unveiled immigration strategy emphasizes a collaborative approach between the federal and provincial governments. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) outlined this approach in their new strategy titled "An Immigration System for Canada’s Future." The strategy underscores the importance of increased consultations with provincial governments and other stakeholders, aiming for a comprehensive government approach to sustainably boost immigration levels, contributing to Canada's economic growth and workforce. This collaborative approach was also reflected in the formulation of the federal Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026. Under this plan, Canada plans to welcome up to 500,000 new permanent residents annually in both 2025 and 2026, with a significant portion, specifically 110,000 individuals in 2024 and 120,000 in 2025 and 2026, arriving through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) category.
Highlighting the shared responsibility in Canada's Constitution, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) actively collaborates with provinces and territories in managing immigration. Governed by Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), the legislation allows provinces to select economic immigration candidates who are well-suited to support local economies and integrate into the provincial workforce. It is essential to note here, that while provinces nominate candidates, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reserves the right to the final decision-making on whether a nominated candidate will become a permanent resident of Canada. Here, Quebec and Nunavut are exceptions, as they do not have Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Quebec operates under a distinct agreement with the federal government, granting it exclusive control over economic immigration to the province.
Details of selection by British Columbia
On November 16, the province, through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC-PNP) invited more than 219 candidates in the most recent draw. Among the five draws, the largest was a general draw inviting 116 candidates from the Skilled Worker category, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled streams. Minimum scores ranged from 94-115 depending on the stream. The remaining four draws were targeted for Skilled Worker and International Graduates in specific occupations:
BC also held its first targeted draw for those in construction occupations. The province invited 12 Skilled Worker and International Graduate candidates with a minimum score of 75.
Details of selection by Manitoba
In a recent draw on November 16, Manitoba extended invitations to 301 candidates across four draws targeting three different streams. In the first draw, 100 candidates under the Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream, with a minimum score of 809, received invitations in a general draw encompassing various occupations. A second draw within the Skilled Workers category, focusing on specific occupations related to healthcare, education, and homecare, resulted in additional invitations.
Furthermore, 61 candidates from the International Education stream were invited in a separate draw, and 48 Skilled Workers residing overseas, with a minimum score of 721, received invitations in the remaining draw.
Details of selection by Prince Edward Island (PEI)
PEI invited 141 candidates in the PEI PNP also on November 16. The province invited 134 Labour and Express Entry candidates working for a PEI Employer with a minimum EOI score of 55. There was also a small draw for Business Work Permit Entrepreneur candidates. These seven candidates needed a minimum score of 80 to be considered. PEI has invited 2527 candidates through these two streams in the past 12 months.
Details of selection by Alberta
On November 9, Alberta issued invitations to 16 candidates in the Express Entry system. These individuals were part of the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with an Alberta job offer stream, necessitating a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score exceeding 300.
As per the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), applicants in this stream can anticipate a processing time of up to two months for a final decision after submitting their completed applications.
Overall, Canada's dedication to a collaborative and responsive immigration system positions it to effectively navigate the complexities of global migration trends and contribute to its social and economic vitality.
Check if you qualify for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Check out Owlspriority Immigration’s Canada Settlement Resources to learn about finding employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.
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