Key Trends in Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program in October 2024

Before we dig into the summary of the draws and other PNP updates, we do want to address the major update announced that will impact Canada’s PNP in 2025 – the 50% decrease in allocation to the PNP in 2025 in the federal Government’s Immigration Levels Plan. This is going to have a significant impact on the number of invitations we see in 2025. In fact, the total number of invitations would exceed the 2025 target if each month in 2025 looked like October 2024.

• Here’s what you should know about the PNP targets being slashed in 2025.

Summary of PNP Draws in October 2024

• BC continued its draw of alternating tech and general draws each week, with targeted draws in healthcare, childcare, veterinary care, and construction. There were no targeted draws for childcare workers.  The draws ranged from up to 127 to up to 194 invitations each round. 
• PEI held its scheduled round on October 28 (after foregoing sending invitations earlier this year), inviting almost 100 to apply for a nomination. It targeted Express Entry and Labour applicants working in certain sectors in PEI, alongside two entrepreneurs.  
• Manitoba held two draws targeting Skilled Workers in Manitoba and Overseas, as well as international students, totaling almost 500 invitations. 
• Ontario invited 3,035 to apply, including two significant draws targeting skilled trades workers and another for priority occupations.  
• Quebec invited 1,650 candidates following the same formula as it has for the remainder of the year – a higher score for candidates in Montreal (573+ in this instance), or a job offer outside Montreal. Candidates must also speak French to receive an invitation. 

Comparison Of October’s PNP Invitations To September’s Draws

British Columbia (BC)

• October: 5 draws, up to 816 invitations.
• September: 5 draws, up to 625 invitations.
• Trend: Slight increase in invitations, consistent focus on healthcare, childcare, construction, tech, and veterinary care.

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

• October: 1 draw, 91 invitations.
• September: 1 draw, 48 invitations.
• Trend: Higher invitations in October, same sector focus.

Manitoba

• October: 2 draws, 487 invitations.
• September: 2 draws, 554 invitations.
• Trend: Fewer invitations, consistent streams targeted.

Ontario

• October: 2 draws, 3,035 invitations.
• September: 5 draws, 4,379 invitations.
• Trend: Fewer draws, with a stronger focus on skilled trades in October.

Quebec

• October: 1 draw, 1,650 invitations.
• September: 1 draw, 1,417 invitations.
• Trend: Increase in invitations, continued focus on high-scoring candidates with language proficiency.

Overall

• October: 6,079 invitations.
• September: 6,971 invitations.
• Trend: Slight decrease in total invitations, with Ontario issuing fewer invitations in October. Focus on targeted sectors remained strong across both months.

Key Trends In October’s PNP Draws

• Healthcare and Skilled Trades Focus: Both BC and Ontario consistently target healthcare and skilled trades sectors, aligning with Canada’s broader labor market needs.
• General vs. Targeted Draws: BC continues its pattern of alternating between general and targeted draws, addressing both broad and specific labor market needs.
• High Activity in Ontario: October saw a significant surge in invitations in Ontario, especially in skilled trades and priority occupations, compared to past months.
• Strategic Recruitment in Manitoba: Manitoba maintained its strategic recruitment focus, with consistent draws and slightly fewer invitations compared to previous months.

Provincial Nominee Program Updates in October 2024

Outside of the news that Canada’s PNP targets will be slashed in 2025, there were no significant updates relating to individual provincial nominee programs in October 2024. 

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