British Columbia and Ontario Increase Provincial Nominations for Skilled Workers
British Columbia and Ontario Expand Provincial Nominee Programs to Invite More Skilled Workers
Both British Columbia and Ontario have recently issued additional invitations to skilled immigration candidates through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These invitations were extended to individuals with professional experience in high-demand sectors, or a combination of relevant work experience and language proficiency in both English and French.
It is important to note that each PNP operates with its own scoring system to assess and rank candidates. Therefore, scores from different provincial programs should not be directly compared.
Provincial Immigration Results (September 21–27)
British Columbia
On September 24, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) invited 146 candidates through the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams. Candidates were selected based on their professional experience in roles deemed in-demand by the province. The minimum cut-off scores and the number of invitations issued varied, depending on the applicant’s professional background.
The Skilled Worker, International Graduate stream provides a pathway to permanent residence (PR) for recent graduates from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions. To qualify, applicants must have completed a degree, diploma, or certificate within the past three years, along with securing a full-time job offer from a British Columbia employer. The job must be classified under National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 1, 2, or 3 categories.
Key eligibility criteria for this stream include:
- Meeting language proficiency standards.
- Having a wage offer that aligns with British Columbia’s labor market standards.
- Possessing the qualifications necessary for the offered position.
- Demonstrating financial self-sufficiency.
Additionally, this stream offers an enhanced option through Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC). Aligned with the federal Express Entry system, this option allows candidates in the federal pool to receive a provincial nomination, which grants an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Ontario
On September 26, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 243 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates through the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. To be invited, candidates needed a CRS score between 290 and 445.
The French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream is designed for foreign nationals with relevant skilled work experience and proficiency in both English and French. Eligible candidates who meet these criteria are offered a chance to be nominated for permanent residency by the Ontario government. To apply, candidates must have a valid profile in the Express Entry system and receive an NOI from Ontario.
This stream is also enhanced, meaning it is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, allowing candidates who receive a nomination to benefit from the additional 600 CRS points, further boosting their position in the federal pool.
Both provinces continue to play a critical role in Canada’s efforts to attract highly skilled workers, offering clear pathways to permanent residency and supporting the growth of local economies through these targeted immigration streams.
