Provinces Welcome Newcomers with Special Programs in 2023

Provincial Welcome Programs for Newcomers in 2023

This week brought several important developments in Canadian immigration. Across the country, provinces such as Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island (PEI) actively demonstrated their commitment to welcoming newcomers by issuing invitations through their respective immigration programs.

In Canada, immigration is managed jointly by the federal and provincial governments. Consequently, one of the most popular pathways to permanent residence remains the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces to select candidates who meet their specific labour market needs.

Let’s take a closer look at the key updates from each province.

Ontario: Major Invitation Rounds Across Multiple Streams

This week, Ontario invited 5,450 candidates through four different immigration streams:

• Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream
• Human Capital Priorities stream

Employer Job Offer Streams – August 15

On August 15, Ontario conducted targeted draws under its three Employer Job Offer streams.

• First, Ontario invited 853 international students with job offers in technology, healthcare, or skilled trades. These candidates required a minimum score of 61.
• At the same time, the province issued 375 invitations to candidates in skilled trades with scores of at least 30.
• Additionally, 1,131 candidates working in healthcare and technology received invitations with minimum scores of 46.
• In another draw, Ontario invited 256 candidates under the In-Demand Skills stream. These applicants held job offers in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and other selected industries, with scores of 23 or higher.

Human Capital Priorities Stream – August 17

Subsequently, on August 17, Ontario invited 2,835 candidates through the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream. These candidates had experience in technology and healthcare occupations and held CRS scores of 473 or above.

Saskatchewan: Expression of Interest Draws on August 16

After a pause since June 8, Saskatchewan resumed its Expression of Interest (EOI) draws on August 16. The province conducted selections under both the Express Entry and Occupations-In-Demand streams.

Express Entry Stream

• Saskatchewan invited 345 candidates from multiple countries and occupations.
• Invitations went to 23 candidates from Ireland, 224 from India, and 98 from various European countries.
• Candidates required a minimum EOI score of 60.

Occupations-In-Demand Stream

• In addition, Saskatchewan invited 297 candidates under this stream.
• These included 12 candidates from Ireland, 207 from India, and 78 from European countries.
• Once again, the minimum score requirement stood at 60.

Through these draws, Saskatchewan continued aligning immigration with labour market demand.

Quebec: Invitation Round on August 10

Meanwhile, Quebec released the results of its latest invitation round held on August 10.

• The Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration invited 1,384 candidates to apply for permanent selection.
• Notably, Quebec targeted candidates with valid job offers outside the Montréal metropolitan area, supporting regional economic growth.

British Columbia: Targeted BC PNP Draws on August 15

On August 15, British Columbia conducted four targeted draws under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). These draws included candidates from both the Skilled Worker and International Graduate categories, including those aligned with Express Entry.

• The largest draw invited 107 technology workers with a minimum SIRS score of 88.
• Furthermore, BC invited 27 early childhood educators and assistants.
• At the same time, 19 healthcare professionals received invitations.
• Finally, the province issued a small number of invitations to candidates in other priority occupations.

Overall, all invited candidates needed a minimum score of 60.

Prince Edward Island (PEI): Draws on August 17

On August 17, Prince Edward Island issued invitations through two streams of the PEI Provincial Nominee Program.

• PEI invited a total of 138 candidates under the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams.
• These candidates were already working for PEI employers and required a minimum EOI score of 50.

Supporting Your Canadian Immigration Journey

Amid these significant provincial updates, SPS Canada Immigration continues to serve as a trusted partner for newcomers. With over 20 years of experience, the firm helps individuals navigate Canada’s complex immigration pathways with confidence and clarity.

If you are planning your immigration journey, feel free to contact us for expert guidance tailored to your profile. Visit www.spscanada.com to learn more and connect with our team today.

Your Canadian dream is within reach—and we’re here to help you achieve it.