British Columbia and Prince Edward Island Invite Candidates

Provinces British Columbia and Prince Edward Island (PEI) have issued Invitations through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). British Columbia targeted foreign entrepreneurs with established or purchased businesses, while PEI focused on individuals working in priority occupations essential to the province's economic growth.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) | via Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP)

On March 20, the province through its Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) conducted a draw through the Labour Impact and Express Entry pathways. A total of 124 Invitations were issued to candidates currently employed in key occupations and sectors that support the province's economic growth. The March 20 PEI PNP draw focused on individuals who have been living and working in PEI for at least a year, with priority given to sectors such as healthcare, trades, and manufacturing.

British Columbia | via British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)

On March 18, the province through its British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC-PNP) issued 8 ITAs under its Entrepreneur Immigration category, targeting foreign entrepreneurs in the Base Stream. Candidates needed a minimum score of 115, with factors like human capital, economic considerations, and business concept influencing their eligibility. Under the Regional Stream, fewer than five entrepreneurs referred by participating communities received an Invitation for provincial nomination, with a minimum score requirement of 123.

In the March 18 British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) draw, the following invitations were issued:

• Base Stream: 8 ITAs, with a minimum cut-off score of 115
• Regional Stream: Fewer than 5 ITAs, with a minimum cut-off score of 123

How does Canada’s PNP Programs work?

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are established to suffice the immigration requirements of the participating province or territory. All provinces of Canada (except Quebec, which has its own immigration programs) as well as territories (except Nunavut) has their own Provincial or Territorial Nominee Programs. The participating provinces and territories sign agreements with Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) enabling them to select candidates from the Express Entry pool that meets their requirements. Once a candidate receives the “Provincial Nomination Certificate”, he or she is required to make a separate application to IRCC.

Types of Canadian PNP programs

Provincial Nominee Programs can be broadly classified into 2:

Regular Nominations: These are provincial nominee programs that are not Express Entry aligned. That is, the candidate selection and subsequent application processing happens at provincial levels, depending on the program’s timelines and criteria defined by the provincial government alone. They are also known as “base nominations”.

Enhanced Nominations: Every participating province or territory has at least one immigration program/stream that is Express Entry aligned. Enhanced Nominee Programs are provincial nominee programs that are Express Entry aligned. The provincial and territorial governments have visibility into the Express Entry pool through these programs. When a province or territory nominates an individual (based on his or her credentials and/or circumstances and/or interests), he or she receives the provincial or territorial nomination certificate. Once the candidate has a provincial or territorial nomination certificate, he or she can apply for Canadian permanent residence based on the nomination. Successful applicants will receive 600 points to their Express Entry profile, triggering an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Check if you qualify for a Canadian PNP Program. Check out Owlspriority Immigration’s Canada Settlement Resources to learn about finding employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.