Ontario and British Columbia, both held PNP draws on August 16. The two provinces issued a combined total of 253 invitations to eligible candidates. Selected candidates can now submit their applications for a provincial nomination.
New PNP draw held in Ontario
First draw in Entrepreneur stream held by province since 2021
The province of Ontario held a new Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on August 16, 2022.
A total of 30 immigration candidates received invitations from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Candidates who had EOI scores between 138 and 160 were selected from the Entrepreneur stream.
Under this category, candidates have to complete and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), like any other stream. However, if they receive an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination, the candidates will also need to pass an interview and sign a performance agreement.
The successful candidates will receive a temporary work permit and be allowed to move to Canada. Within twenty months of landing in Canada, the candidate is expected to have their business plan implemented. The business will go through a final review and if everything goes well and all the business requirements have been met, they can look at eligibility for permanent residency in Canada.
In addition to the requirements outlined above, to qualify for this stream, candidates also have to meet the following criteria:
- Experience in running a business for at least two years over the last five years;
- Have a controlling share of at least one-third of the business;
- Have to be actively engaged in the running and managing of the business;
- Must be able to make a profit;
- The business must be able to create at least two full time and permanent jobs that other permanent residents or citizens can apply for.
Selected candidates will have 45 calendar days to submit their application.
B.C. holds weekly PNP draw
223 candidates, including tech workers, are invited by province in latest draw
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held its weekly PNP draw on August 16, 2022.
The draw resulted in 223 eligible candidates receiving an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination.
Most of the invitations, 177 of them, were issued under the general draw. They went to candidates in the International Graduate and Skilled Worker categories who had experience in the tech industry. The draw also included candidates from Express Entry.
For the general draw, candidates had to meet a minimum on Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) score of 132 for Skilled Workers with Express Entry. For candidates in the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled categories, the score required was 78.
In addition to the draw targeting tech occupations, B.C. held several other rounds of invitations targeting candidates in specific occupations. They are as follows:
- Early childhood educators and assistants – 26 invitations issued – score required 60 points;
- Healthcare workers – 15 invitations issued – score required 60 points;
- Healthcare assistants – 5 invitations issued – score required 60 points
Candidates who successfully receive a provincial nomination will be awarded 600 additional points on their base Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) score. The boost in points will work in their favor when IRCC holds rounds of invitations for permanent residency.