British Columbia Expands Invitations to Apply (ITAs); Manitoba Ends Open Work Permit Policy for PNP Candidates
Table of Contents:
- Introduction: Key Updates in Provincial Immigration Programs
- British Columbia Increases Invitations to Apply for Skilled Workers
- Manitoba Ends Open Work Permit Policy for PNP Candidates
- British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Draw Details
- General Draws for Skilled Workers and Entry-Level Workers
- Sector-Specific Draws for Skilled Workers
- Manitoba’s Decision to End Temporary Public Policy
- Impact on Prospective Immigrants and Candidates
- Conclusion: Shifting Dynamics in Canadian Provincial Immigration
1. Introduction: Key Updates in Provincial Immigration Programs
Recent developments in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) have sparked significant changes for prospective immigrants to Canada. British Columbia has ramped up its invitations for skilled workers, while Manitoba has made a notable shift by discontinuing a policy that provided open work permits to certain PNP candidates. These changes could affect many international workers and applicants looking to immigrate to Canada, and the policies signal evolving trends in Canadian provincial immigration strategies.
2. British Columbia Increases Invitations to Apply for Skilled Workers
In a positive move for candidates seeking to immigrate to British Columbia, the province issued more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) this week under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The new draws, conducted on December 10, target skilled workers across various sectors of the economy, providing an opportunity for eligible individuals to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
3. Manitoba Ends Open Work Permit Policy for PNP Candidates
Meanwhile, Manitoba has made an important announcement regarding its Temporary Public Policy for Work Permits aimed at PNP candidates. On December 6, 2024, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) confirmed that it will no longer accept applications under this policy after December 18, 2024. The policy, which was implemented in August 2024, allowed provincial authorities to issue support letters to PNP candidates, enabling them to apply for open work permits (OWPs) from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This change marks a significant shift in Manitoba’s approach to PNP candidates, as the province phases out this temporary initiative. The MPNP will continue to accept applications for support letters under this policy until 11:59 PM CST on December 18, 2024. Following this deadline, the online submission form for support letters will close, and no new applications will be processed.
4. British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Draw Details
On December 10, 2024, British Columbia conducted two separate draws under the BC PNP, issuing multiple ITAs to candidates under its Skilled Worker and Entry-Level & Semi-Skilled streams.
General Draws for Skilled Workers and Entry-Level Workers
The first draw, aimed at skilled workers, including candidates under the Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) option, resulted in six ITAs. The draw also targeted candidates in the Entry Level & Semi-Skilled streams. The minimum scores and the number of ITAs issued for each stream are as follows:
| Stream | Minimum Score | Number of ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 148 | 6 |
| Skilled Worker (EEBC option) | 148 | |
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 121 |
Sector-Specific Draws for Skilled Workers
A second draw targeted skilled workers based on their experience in priority sectors of British Columbia’s economy. The minimum scores for candidates in different sectors were as follows:
| Stream | Draw Type | Minimum Score | Number of ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (including EEBC option) | Childcare | 101 | <5 |
| Skilled Worker (including EEBC option) | Construction | 112 | <5 |
| Skilled Worker (including EEBC option) | Healthcare | 121 | <5 |
| Skilled Worker (including EEBC option) | Veterinary Care | 80 | <5 |
These sector-specific draws are designed to target areas with labor shortages in British Columbia, providing opportunities for skilled workers in sectors like childcare, healthcare, construction, and veterinary care.
5. Manitoba’s Decision to End Temporary Public Policy
The MPNP’s decision to end its policy offering open work permits to some PNP candidates reflects a shift in its immigration strategy. The policy, which has been in effect since August 2024, allowed candidates in the province’s Express of Interest (EOI) pool or application inventory process to obtain support letters from the MPNP. These support letters enabled candidates to apply for open work permits, allowing them to work in Canada while awaiting their permanent residency applications.
However, with the program closing on December 18, 2024, applicants must submit their online forms before the deadline to be considered for support letters. IRCC will continue accepting applications for open work permits until December 31, 2024, but after this date, no further submissions under the temporary public policy will be accepted.
6. Impact on Prospective Immigrants and Candidates
The changes to both British Columbia’s and Manitoba’s PNP programs will have significant implications for prospective immigrants to Canada. British Columbia’s increased ITAs offer an exciting opportunity for skilled workers to apply for permanent residency, particularly in sectors facing labor shortages. Candidates with the required skills and experience in these priority sectors may benefit from a faster route to immigration.
On the other hand, Manitoba’s decision to end the open work permit policy means that applicants who were hoping to use the support letter to obtain a work permit will need to act quickly. After December 18, no new applications for support letters will be accepted, making it critical for eligible candidates to submit their forms before the cutoff date.
7. Conclusion: Shifting Dynamics in Canadian Provincial Immigration
The recent announcements by British Columbia and Manitoba reflect the dynamic nature of Canada’s provincial immigration programs. British Columbia’s expanded invitations provide more opportunities for skilled workers to apply for permanent residency, while Manitoba’s decision to end its open work permit policy marks a significant policy shift. These developments demonstrate the flexibility of Canada’s immigration system and its ability to adapt to changing economic conditions and labor market needs.
Prospective immigrants should stay informed about these changes and consider how they may affect their immigration plans. Whether through increased opportunities in British Columbia or the closing of the Manitoba open work permit policy, these changes highlight the evolving landscape of Canadian provincial immigration.
For a free consultation about your work permit and student permit options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
