Canada News / November 18, 2024

BC and Alberta extend invitations to PNP applicants

British Columbia and Alberta invite candidates to apply for PNP programs.

British Columbia and Alberta have recently extended invitations to candidates under their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), aiming to attract skilled workers to meet local labor market demands. Alberta also shared updates on the processing times for its immigration programs, providing insight into current trends and opportunities for applicants.

British Columbia’s Invitations

On November 13, British Columbia conducted two draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), issuing at least 25 invitations to apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination.

In the general draw, 10 ITAs were distributed across several streams with the following minimum scores:

  • Skilled Worker: 143
  • Express Entry BC (EEBC) Skilled Worker: 143
  • International Graduate: 143
  • EEBC International Graduate: 143
  • Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled: 121

Additionally, a category-based draw issued at least 15 ITAs, targeting Skilled Workers and International Graduate streams, including EEBC options. This draw focused on specific sectors, such as childcare (minimum score 102), construction (105), healthcare (113), and veterinary care (80).

Candidates have two pathways to apply under BC PNP: either directly via the base PNP or through the Express Entry BC option. The EEBC stream is advantageous due to faster federal processing times for permanent residency after receiving a provincial nomination. However, the EEBC pathway is not available for Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled applicants.

Alberta’s Invitations and Processing Updates

From October 15 to November 7, Alberta held four draws under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), inviting 587 candidates across different streams:

  • Alberta Opportunity Stream (Nov 7): 187 invitations, minimum score of 50
  • Dedicated Healthcare Pathway – Non-Express Entry (Nov 4): 33 invitations, minimum score of 44
  • Dedicated Healthcare Pathway – Express Entry (Nov 4): 65 invitations, minimum score of 51
  • Tourism and Hospitality Stream (Oct 15): 302 invitations, minimum score of 70

Each stream has specific eligibility criteria. For example, the Alberta Opportunity Stream requires at least 12 months of work experience, a valid work permit, and an in-demand job offer. The Dedicated Healthcare Pathway demands authorization to practice regulated professions and sufficient language proficiency.

Alberta also updated processing times as of November 7. For instance, the Alberta Opportunity Stream currently has 1,401 applications awaiting review. In total, Alberta has issued 9,039 nominations in 2024, with 711 nomination spaces still available across all streams.

A temporary public policy introduced in August 2024 allows certain PNP candidates to apply for open work permits, making it easier for them to remain employed in Canada while awaiting permanent residency. Alberta, Manitoba, and Yukon have implemented measures under this policy, which is expected to last until December 31, 2024.

The PNP enables provinces to nominate skilled workers for permanent residency based on regional labor needs. Unlike other provinces, Quebec operates independent immigration programs tailored to its unique requirements, outside the PNP framework.

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