Provincial Nominee Programs in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta: Updates on Draws and Candidate Pools
This week, significant updates came from the provincial nominee programs (PNPs) of British Columbia and Manitoba, as they issued new invitations to candidates seeking to secure provincial nominations. In addition, Alberta has provided details on the current status of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), including the number of candidates in its Expression of Interest (EOI) pools. These developments bring new opportunities for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates looking to settle in these provinces.
British Columbia Issues Entrepreneur Invitations
On January 28, 2025, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) invited candidates under its Entrepreneur Immigration Streams. These invitations are designed for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish businesses in the province. The draws included candidates from both the Base Entrepreneur Stream and the Regional Entrepreneur Stream, each requiring a minimum score of 123.
Key Details:
- Date of Invitations: January 28, 2025
- Streams Involved: Base Entrepreneur Stream, Regional Entrepreneur Stream
- Minimum Score: 123
- Number of Invitations: Fewer than 5 in each stream
BC PNP Entrepreneur Streams typically target individuals with solid business proposals, and the Regional Entrepreneur Stream especially encourages entrepreneurs to start businesses in smaller communities. This stream, which happens roughly every month, gives priority to candidates who have been referred by specific regions.
The Base Entrepreneur Stream is less frequent and considers factors like a candidate’s registration score, the business’s location, the community size, and whether it is a new venture or an existing business. More details on these streams are available on the BC PNP website.
Manitoba Draws for International Education and Skilled Worker Streams
On February 6, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducted two separate draws for candidates in the International Education Stream and the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream.
- International Education Stream:
- Number of Invitations: 59
- Eligibility: Candidates needed to have at least four years of full-time work experience within the last five years, along with necessary documentation to support their work experience.
- Minimum Score: Not disclosed by MPNP.
- Skilled Worker Overseas Stream:
- Number of Invitations: 17
- Minimum Score: 612
- Invitations were extended to candidates under a strategic recruitment initiative, which focuses on specific sectors or skillsets in demand.
Out of the total 76 invitations, 18 were issued to candidates who also held a valid Express Entry profile, further enhancing their chances of obtaining a provincial nomination.
For more information on the MPNP and its eligibility criteria, candidates can refer to the Manitoba immigration webpage.
Alberta Updates on Candidate Pools for AAIP
Alberta has shared the latest update on the Expression of Interest (EOI) pools for its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Although the province has not held its first draw of 2025 yet, Alberta provided insight into the current number of candidates within its various immigration streams.
Here’s a breakdown of the number of candidates currently in the AAIP EOI pools:
Alberta Opportunity Stream:
- Number of EOIs: 28,830
Dedicated Health Care Pathways (Express Entry & Non-Express Entry):
- Number of EOIs: 1,026
Rural Renewal Stream:
- Number of EOIs: 3,029
Tourism and Hospitality Stream:
- Number of EOIs: 4,244
Alberta Express Entry Stream:
- Accelerated Tech Pathway: 2,403 EOIs
- Family Connection & Occupation in Demand: 2,206 EOIs
- Law Enforcement Pathway: 70 EOIs
- Priority Sector Draws & Other Initiatives: 2,802 EOIs
In total, the AAIP pools currently contain 44,610 candidate profiles across all streams, indicating a substantial pool of potential immigrants for Alberta’s labor market needs.
Alberta’s Approach to Immigration
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers multiple pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in sectors like technology, healthcare, and tourism. The program is designed to attract candidates who can contribute to the province’s economic growth and address skill shortages in specific industries.
Candidates interested in Alberta immigration opportunities are encouraged to monitor updates, as draws are expected to resume soon.
Conclusion: Opportunities for Immigrants Across Canada
The updates from British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta highlight the ongoing efforts of Canadian provinces to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international students to support their economies. With new invitations issued and detailed updates on candidate pools, there are growing opportunities for individuals seeking to start a business, work in specialized sectors, or contribute to regional development.
As immigration pathways continue to evolve, applicants are advised to stay informed on the latest changes to maximize their chances of securing a provincial nomination. For more specific guidance, it is recommended to consult the respective provincial websites or seek professional immigration advice.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
