Both British Columbia and Manitoba held Provincial Nominee Program draws the week of January 11 2021. A combined total of 352 invitations were issued to eligible candidates through the two draws, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to reach the immigration targets for 2021 and beyond.
80 Invitations Issued in Latest British Columbia Tech Pilot Draw
Tech Pilot draw held last week with 80 invitations sent to qualified candidates under the Skills Immigration and Express Entry B.C. streams. Applicants have 30 days to submit their application for review and final decision by Immigration, Refugees Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The province of British Columbia typically holds weekly immigration draws under its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). Last week on January 12 2021, the province held a Tech Pilot draw under the Skills Immigration and Express Entry B.C. streams.
The Tech Pilot program was launched in 2017 and has been extended until June 2021. The program was designed to attract and retain tech talent to support and fill the labor shortages in B.C’s thriving technology sector. Applications of candidates who are selected in Tech Pilot draws are prioritized and is one of the most efficient ways of fast-tracking immigration to Canada.
80 qualified candidates from the Skilled Worker and International Graduate subcategories were invited to apply for a provincial nomination in this latest draw. In order to be eligible for the draw, candidates were required to have valid job offers in one of the province’s 29 eligible tech occupations. The offer has to be for a full-time position, for a period of at least one year and the offer has to have 120 days remaining from the time of application. A minimum provincial score of 80 points is also required.
The provincial score is based on the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). A potential candidate needs to complete and submit their profile through SIRS. Their profile is evaluated and points are awarded based on human capital factors such as the applicant’s age, their level of education, their language proficiency and work experience, to name a few.
The chosen applicants who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) have 30 days to submit their application package online through the BC PNP Online Registration system. While an ITA does not guarantee permanent residency, a provincial nomination does go a long way since applicants are automatically awarded 600 additional points on their Comprehensive Ranking Scores (CRS).
Since the start of the new year, B.C. has held two draws and if things move smoothly, the province can look forward to welcoming these newcomers in the coming months.
Manitoba Holds First Draw of the Year: 272 Invitations Issued
Manitoba held its first draw on January 14 2021 and issued 277 LAAs. In an effort to boost immigration in the province for post-pandemic recovery, the government is creating a new department focused on providing educational and employment opportunities for newcomers and Manitobans.
Since the start of the new year, provinces across Canada have been holding provincial nominee program (PNP) draws.
The province of Manitoba held its first draw of 2021 on January 14.
272 immigration candidates were issued Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) draw.
Applicants were from the Skilled Workers and International Graduates streams under three following subcategories:
- Skilled Workers in Manitoba
- International Education Stream
- Skilled Workers Overseas
In order to be eligible, candidates had to have created and registered an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the MPNP and meet the minimum EOI score requirements. The education stream did not require an EOI score.
At a glance:
| Streams | Number of LAAs Issued | Min. Score Required |
| Skilled Workers in Manitoba | 236 | 461 |
| International Education Stream | 29 | None Required |
| Skilled Workers Overseas | 7 | 722 |
| Total | 272 |
From the 272 LAAs which were issued, 18 of them were given to Express Entry candidates who have a valid Express Entry ID, proof of work experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations as well as a job seeker validation code. If these conditions are not met, the application will be refused.
New Department Created to Boost Immigration to Manitoba
The pandemic has hit Canada hard in all ways, including immigration. As the country makes plans for a post-pandemic economic recovery, immigration will play a central role.
As part of these plans, Manitoba announced on January 5 2021 the creation of the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration.
This new department’s mandate will be to boost the number of immigrants in Manitoba by promoting access to post-secondary institutions in Manitoba and by ensuring there are new job opportunities for new immigrants and Manitobans alike.
This new department will focus on aligning advanced educational institutions with the needs of the labour markets of today and tomorrow by giving young Manitobans the skills they need to succeed and new immigrants the job opportunities our province can offer.
Manitoba News Release