WHATSAPP
The first six months of 2019 have turned out to be an extremely active period for the Express Entry-aligned PNPs of Canada. However, it is not surprising as the country has set a higher immigration target through Provincial Nominee Programs for 2019 compared to the previous year.
In the first half of the current year, Express Entry-aligned PNPs issued thousands of Invitations to Apply for provincial nomination. The invited candidates who successfully apply and obtain provincial nominations will receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score points. These candidates will most certainly receive Invitations to Apply for permanent residence in Canada in subsequent Express Entry draw. These additional scores are helpful especially for Express Entry candidates who have CRS scores lower than the minimum cut-off scores for federal Express Entry draws.
Ontario
Ontario is the most populous province of Canada and also the most favourite destination for new immigrants. Ontario’s nomination allocation from the federal government for the year 2019 is 6900 and this is the largest nomination allocation for any Canada PNP. Ontario has issued 3846 Notifications of Interest (NoIs) to Express Entry candidates so far this year. Around 67 per cent (2,565) of these NoIs were issued through the Human Capital Priorities Stream. Besides, a combined 1,281 NOIs were issued through the French-Speaking Skilled Worker and Skilled Trades streams.
Alberta
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) introduced an Express Entry Stream only last year. The minimum CRS score requirement to qualify for provincial nomination from Alberta is 300. AINP has conducted 16 draws so far this year through its Express Entry-aligned stream and issued a total of 3,816 NOIs. Among these, eight draws had a minimum CRS score requirement of 302 or less and four draws had a cut-off score of 300.
Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) has three streams aligned to the federal Express Entry. The Labour Market Priorities Stream draw of June 3rd invited 312 Express Entry candidates with work experience as early childhood educators and assistants. Another draw under the same stream on January 25th invited financial auditors or accountants with a CRS cut-off of 400. Yet another draw in March invited Express Entry candidates who had listed French as their first language.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker: Express Entry sub-category has held eight invitation rounds in the first half of 2019 in which a total of 1,166 invitations were issued. The International Skilled Worker: Express Entry sub-category of Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) operates on Expression of Interest (EOI) basis. The candidate must submit an Expression of Interest to OINP in order to be considered for provincial nomination. Saskatchewan also revised the in-demand occupations list twice during this period.
Other PNPs
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program issued at least 300 invitations to Express Entry candidates in the first half of 2019.
Prince Edward Island held six draws during this period and issued a combined 671 invitations to Express Entry and Labour Impact category candidates.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program also issued invitations on a weekly basis through its Express Entry B.C. Stream during the period.
Provincial Nominee Programs are a great option for Express Entry candidates with low CRS scores. Contact us to explore your options for migrating to Canada through Canada PNP.
