Ontario and British Columbia Conduct Provincial Nominee Program Draws

Canada's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) enables provinces and territories to share immigration responsibilities with the federal government, helping to distribute immigration benefits throughout the country. Since its launch in 1998, the PNP has been a vital tool for addressing local labor market needs and supporting regional growth.

Ontario and British Columbia Conduct Provincial Nominee Program


Although receiving a provincial nomination does not guarantee permanent residency, it greatly enhances a candidate’s prospects by adding 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score if they are part of the Express Entry system. This significantly increases the likelihood of being invited to apply for permanent residence in future Express Entry draws.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

On October 17, 2024, the OINP issued 1,307 invitations to candidates under the Express Entry: Skilled Trades stream. The invitations were extended to candidates who had a CRS score between 405 and 435 and relevant work experience in specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes. These occupations can be found in the official list of accepted NOC codes.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)

On October 16, 2024, the BCPNP issued over 190 invitations through two distinct selection rounds:

  • General Selection Draw: 102 candidates were invited across several streams.
  • Targeted Draws: Invitations were extended to candidates in certain industries, specifically under the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams (including the Express Entry BC (EEBC) option).


Newfoundland and Labrador Nearing Full Nomination Allocation

As of October 8, 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Immigration, Population Growth, and Skills reported that it has nearly reached its maximum allocation of provincial nominations for the year.

Each year, the federal government, through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), sets an annual Immigration Levels Plan that outlines the number of permanent residents to be welcomed, including those entering through the PNP. This allocation varies by province, depending on factors such as labor market needs and the region's capacity to support newcomers.

To manage the remaining nominations for 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador will prioritize applications from sectors facing labor shortages, such as healthcare, early childhood education, and construction. Applications from other sectors will continue to be accepted, but processing will be deferred until 2025. The province's 25-day processing standard for the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) will resume in January 2025. Applications under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) will also be processed starting in the new year.

Key Highlights:

  • Ontario invited 1,307 candidates in the Skilled Trades stream with CRS scores between 405-435.
  • British Columbia invited over 190 candidates, including targeted draws for specific industries.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador is focusing on sectors with labor shortages as it approaches its full allocation for 2024.

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