Canada’s four provinces conducted PNP draw and released results from March 17-24. Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia issue ITA through their PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) draw.
As per the latest immigration level plan, PNP is considered the major pathway for economic immigrants to move to Canada. In addition to assisting the various provinces in resolving their unique demographic and labor problems. Also, the program helps to disperse the benefits of immigration across Canada.
Streams associated with Express Entry are also available as part of the upgraded PNP nominations. Applicants from the federal Express Entry pool are accepted into these streams. PNP applications can be submitted to expanded PNP streams in a particular province. And if they qualify, may be nominated or receive an NOI – (Notice of Interest). This will ensure that candidates will likely receive an ITA for the particular enhanced PNP stream. Since they will receive 600 additional CRS – (Comprehensive Ranking System) points.
As of recently, candidates in the enhanced PNP stream were the only candidates eligible for the Express Entry draws for the fifth and sixth quarters of 2023, which resulted in 1,366 ITAs being issued.
PNP draw results March 17-24
Ontario
The Ontario PNP (OINP) conducted a draw on March 23 for the Skilled Trades stream, issuing 746 Notices of Interest to applicants with CRS scores between 250 and 489. If an applicant with an NOI created a profile in the Express Entry pool between March 23rd, 2022, and March 23rd, 2023, it would be considered as having submitted an application.
Moreover, based on the program updates, some professions have been identified for draws under the OINP’s economic streams.
British Columbia
A draw was conducted by the British Columbia PNP (BCPNP) on March 21. At least 254 notices of interest were provided to applicants in six streams as a result of the draw.
As part of its SWIGP – (Skilled Worker International Graduate program), the BCPNP organized three targeted draws for healthcare professionals, early childhood educators, and other occupations considered priority occupations.
Manitoba
A total of 566 Manitoba PNP (MPNP) Letters of Advice to Apply were issued on March 23rd at the Manitoba PNP draw.
According to the stream, NOIs have been issued in the following order:
- There are 266 NOIs focusing on candidates in specific, in-demand occupations with a minimum CRS score of 612. As well as targeting candidates who are seeking jobs in those professions.
- A minimum CRS score of 672 is required for all occupations — 200 NOIs, including profiles that were not selected for a specific profession draw.
- A total of 52 NOIs have been submitted for the International Education Stream.
- The MPNP invited 48 candidates under an SRI – (Strategic Recruitment) Initiative under the SWO – (Skilled Worker Overseas stream), with a minimum CRS of 708.
Saskatchewan
Applicants from the Express Entry and Occupations in Demand streams were accepted in two Saskatchewan PNP draws held on March 23.
A minimum score of 82 was required to receive an NOI from 184 Express Entry applicants. Occupations in Demand, on the other hand, gave candidates 312 NOIs, again with an 82-point cutoff. It is not permissible for candidates to apply for the Occupations in Demand stream. If their occupation is included on the SINP excluded occupations list.
PNPs in the future – A note
As previously stated, the PNP currently serves as the primary entry point for people coming to Canada for economic reasons. But this function is projected to enlarge in the years to come.
In addition to the PNP receiving further consideration, these provincial programs also received increased attention at a recent Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) conference. A Multiyear levels plan for provincial immigration was revealed after the conference. Having this information would allow the provinces to plan accordingly and know their immigration allocation years in advance.
Moreover, many provinces saw increased future allocations for immigration following the meeting:
- In Alberta, there were 9,750 spots available this year, a significant increase.
- A total of 9,500 spots will be allocated to Manitoba in 2023.
- Approximately 18,000 spots will be allocated to Ontario by 2025, according to the province.
- During the next decade, Saskatchewan will see its allocations increase to 8,500.



