The Provincial Nominee Program draw results were released by three Canadian provinces this week. A recent draw was held through Arrima for Quebec.

Except for Quebec, Nunavut, and Nunavut, most Canadian provinces and territories have their PNPs. These programs may allow interested candidates to be invited for a provincial nomination. While a provincial nomination does not entitle you to permanent residence status, it can be the first step towards permanent residency for eligible candidates. PNP candidates with express entry profiles receive 600 points in addition to their scores. They are also eligible to be invited for a PNP-specific invitation round.

Results of the August 19-25 PNP Draw

British Columbia

More than 210 candidates were invited on August 23 to submit provincial nominations in British Columbia. Each week, BC holds a provincial nomination drawing.

The majority of the candidates were invited to a targeted regional draw, which included tech occupations. Invitations were sent to candidates in the Skilled Workers and International Graduates categories. They also included Express Entry candidates. This draw included both Entry Level and Semi-Skilled candidates.

The minimum SIRS score required to be eligible for the targeted regional draw was 106 for Skilled workers with Express Entry and 75 for Entry Level or Semi-Skilled applicants. SIRS functions in the same way as the Express Entry Comprehensive Rating System (CRS), but it is only applicable to British Columbia's PNP.

Several rounds were also opened to candidates interested in these occupations.

• Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42414) with scores of at least 60 points
• Five healthcare workers who have scores below 60 points
• Healthcare assistants who score at least 60 points

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan held two recent draws. Sixty-eight candidates received invitations on August 18 with minimum scores of 67, while 629 applicants were invited on August 25, with minimum scores of 65.

All candidates were invited through the Express Entry and Occupations-In-Demand categories of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). Saskatchewan continues its recent trend of holding PNP draws almost every week. The province hosted four draws in July, each inviting more than 200 candidates. Saskatchewan had drawn every two months until July.

Prince Edward Island

On August 18, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), invited 121 immigrant candidates.

With a total of 117 invitations, Express Entry and Labour Impact candidates received the most invitations. Business Impact candidates with provincial scores of at least 97 were invited to receive the remaining four invitations.

PEI holds approximately one draw per month and releases its calendar for the year well in advance

Quebec

Quebec enjoys greater autonomy than any other province in its immigration system and therefore does not take part in the PNP.

Quebec is the only province that allows immigrants to submit their profiles to an expression of interest pool called Arima. Candidates whose profiles meet the requirements for an immigration program are invited by provincial officials. Candidates are invited to apply for a nomination in their province or a Certificate de sélection du Quebec (CSQ).

The Ministere de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Integration (MIFI), invited 58 applicants to apply for a permanent position under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program.

Candidates needed to be registered in the Arima Expression Of Interest system with scores. They also had to have a job offer from outside the Montreal Metropolitan area.

Express Entry and the PNP

Express Entry ranks and evaluates candidates for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience class. These programs allow candidates to enter a pool and be ranked against one another using the Comprehensive Rating System. CRS gives them a score that is based on their education and work experience.

600 points are added to an individual's score on the CRS and make it more likely that they will be eligible for an ITA from IRCC to obtain permanent residency.