Big Good News for Skilled Worker | Express Entry 2024

This past week, four Canadian provinces made significant strides in their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and provincial immigration initiatives. Skilled workers, especially those targeting Express Entry, have much to look forward to, as several provinces issued invitations and letters of advice to apply for permanent residence. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the latest updates from British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, and Alberta.

British Columbia: A Week of Multiple Draws

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) had an eventful week, holding immigration draws through six of its provincial programs. On June 25th, five streams (Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker: Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) option, International Graduate, International Graduate EEBC option, and the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled) conducted a joint draw. A total of 35 candidates were invited, with minimum score requirements set at 134 for four streams and 110 for the Entry and Semi-Skilled stream.

Additionally, the Skilled Worker and International Graduate (including EEBC option) streams held another draw on the same day, focusing on candidates with professional experience in in-demand occupations. This draw issued at least 29 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Minimum score requirements varied by profession, with childcare and construction professionals needing 97, healthcare professionals 106, and veterinary care professionals 80.

Manitoba: Targeted Invitations for Skilled Workers

The Manitoba PNP (MPNP) was also active, holding draws on June 21st and June 25th, issuing a total of 413 letters of advice to apply. On June 21st, the Skilled Worker Overseas stream invited 52 candidates with a minimum score of 721, and the International Education Stream invited 111 candidates. Of the 163 candidates invited that day, 31 had valid Express Entry profiles.

On June 25th, the MPNP invited 250 candidates through the Occupation Specific Selection pathway of the Skilled Worker Overseas stream. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum score of 516 and employment in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

• 31301: Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
• 31302: Nurse practitioners
• 32101: Licensed practical nurses
• 33102: Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates

Of these 250 candidates, 93 had declared valid Express Entry profiles.

Quebec: Emphasizing French Proficiency and Employment

On June 17th, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI) invited 1,470 candidates through its provincial immigration program. To be invited, candidates needed an oral proficiency in French equivalent to a level 7 on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français, or its equivalent. Additionally, candidates required either a score of 585 points or higher, or a valid job offer outside the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal.

Alberta: Focus on Healthcare Professionals

On June 18th, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) aligned with the federal Express Entry system, holding a draw that issued notifications of interest letters to 73 candidates through the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer stream. Candidates needed a minimum score of 301 to receive a notification of interest letter.

Conclusion

These developments highlight Canada’s continued commitment to attracting skilled workers to meet labor market needs across the country. With multiple provinces issuing invitations and advice to apply for permanent residence, skilled workers, especially those in the Express Entry pool, have many new opportunities to look forward to in 2024. Whether you’re targeting British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, or Alberta, the future looks promising for skilled professionals seeking to make Canada their new home.