PNP Invitations Issued by British Columbia and Alberta 

British Columbia has released invitations to candidates for provincial nomination under several immigration streams, while Alberta has also released new provincial nominee opportunities. Additionally, Alberta has released its latest processing time updates. Here’s an overview of the latest developments:

British Columbia Invitations

The BC PNP has released at least 25 ITAs in two separate draws that were held on November 13.

1. General Draw: A total of 10 ITAs were released, cut across different streams of choice.

2. Category-Based Draw: No fewer than 15 ITAs were released within the Skilled Worker and International Graduate Streams. All applied for processing through the EEBC option.

Under BC PNP, applicants can either apply directly through the base PNP or link an application with an Express Entry profile through the EEBC option.

The EEBC route offers a significant advantage, as permanent residence applicant processing is speeded up after a provincial nomination. This option comes with the condition of a valid Express Entry profile for which the candidate’s profile must be eligible under one of the three federal Express Entry-managed programs. Notably, the Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled stream is not eligible for the EEBC route.

Alberta Invitations

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program held four draws between October 15 and November 7, thus releasing opportunities for provincial nomination to applicants.

Eligibility for draws are follow:

Alberta Processing Time Changes

On November 7, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program published their updated processing timelines, offering insights for those who applied under their respective immigration programs.

The Alberta Provincial Government has devised specific measures to cater to the needs of those whose work permits are expiring in 2024.

Temporary Public Policy on Open Work Permits

August 11, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada published a temporary public policy that allows specific Provincial Nominee Program applicants to have open work permits. The new policy, implemented in collaboration with the participating Provinces, provides greater flexibility for the considerations of the candidates.

This policy has been adopted by Alberta, Manitoba, and Yukon. This policy will continue till December 31, 2024; however, IRCC can cancel this policy earlier than the mentioned date.

Overview of Provincial Nominee Program  

The Provincial Nominee Program is an instrument of the provinces and territories to nominate those foreign nationals eligible for permanent residency in Canada.

Once nominated, applicants are normally required to apply for permanent residence. Except for Quebec and Nunavut, each of the provinces and territories has its PNP.

Quebec operates its immigration programs independent of the federal government as is evident in its QSWP and PEQ. This means that Quebec has a greater extent of control over its economic immigration process compared to the other provinces and regions in Canada.