April saw fewer draws and invitations than March, but there was still plenty happening in Canada’s PNP last month. Read on to learn more about the takeaways and trends in PNP invitations, as well as the significant program updates we saw last month and what they mean for you.
Key Takeaways
- Draws slowed in April, and we saw fewer invitations sent out too.
- More PNP draws targeted trades in April than we typically see.
- April was a busy month for PNP program updates.
Trends in PNP Draws: April 2024
At a Glance
- BC held five draws.
- After a busy March, Ontario held just one small draw in April.
- Manitoba held three draws, including its last Ukraine draw.
- Alberta and Prince Edward Island held two draws.
- Quebec held one draw, inviting 1,036 candidates.
- Saskatchewan did not announce any draws.
Trades Draws
We saw a higher than usual number of draws targeting trades in April.
- Ontario held an employer job offer foreign worker stream round for skilled trades occupations.
- Quebec held a draw targeting select skilled trades workers with a minimum of level 7 French proficiency and a score of 536 points or higher.
- Manitoba targeted skilled workers in Manitoba working in general construction trades.
- BC continued to target construction workers each week.
We are interested to see whether there will be an increase in trades draws at the provincial and territorial level. Canada’s federal government has allocated just 5% of Express Entry draws in 2024 to workers in the skilled trades category (more on this below). Yet, there is extremely high demand for trades workers across Canada.
April Saw Rising Scores in BC
BC’s draws saw steadily rising scores in March and they did not slow down in April.
Let’s review the results from the end of April vs the end of March and February.
Childcare
April 30 – 91
March 26 – 85
February 27 – 65
Construction
April 30 – 93
March 26 – 90
February 27 – 80
Healthcare
April 30 – 100
March 26 – 85
February 27 – 65
Veterinary Care
April 30 – 80
March 26 – 85
February 27 – 65
As you can see, scores across almost every category (except veterinary care) increased in March and April. We are also seeing smaller and smaller draws in each of these targeted categories, so this may indicate that BC is reaching its targeted levels for these occupations.
Ontario Draws Slowed Significantly
After an extremely busy March that saw five draws and 11,1000 invitations, Ontario held just one small draw in April.
PNP Program Updates and News
The PNP’s Changing Role In Economic Immigration
Canada’s Federal Express Entry invitations will mostly go towards category-based rounds in 2024, according to an IRCC internal memo. However, despite the reduced volume of invitations going to Federal Skilled Workers, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades programs, we are still seeing general Express Entry rounds every two weeks. So, how is that possible? It’s likely the PNPs that are linked to Express Entry play a role in this trend.
It’s also likely that more candidates who may not receive an Express Entry invitation this year will turn to Provincial Nominee Programs to become permanent residents in Canada. Canada’s PNP has been attracting a higher proportion of economic immigrants in recent years, and the trend towards category-based Express Entry draws will likely result in PNP playing an increasingly important role in Canadian immigration for those falling outside of the categories that Canada is targeting.
Manitoba To Prioritize Processing Expired and Expiring Work Permits
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program will prioritize assessments of submitted MPNP applications with work permits that have expired or will expire in the next 45 days. MPNP applicants who fall into this category should let the MPNP know by completing the Skilled Worker Webform.
Manitoba and Alberta To End Temporary Measures For Ukrainian Nationals
The temporary measures known as the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) ended on March 31, 2024. This means that March 31 was the last day for Ukrainians and their family members to enter Canada under the CUAET measures or apply for temporary residence in Canada under the special measures.
As a result, Canadian provinces that were holding special PNP draws are now announcing the conclusion of those draws. Alberta and Manitoba each announced the end of Ukraine draws in April.
Nova Scotia Paused Accommodation and Food Services Applications
Due to overwhelming demand and a significant backlog of candidates awaiting a decision, Nova Scotia has paused accepting applications from workers in the Accommodation and Food Services sector.
BC Updates Its Process For Issuing Invitations
BC has issued a minor procedural update relating to the way it issues invitations that came into effect on April 30, 2024. From this date, candidates who enter the pool on the same day as a draw they’re otherwise eligible for will not be considered for that draw, only future draws. In other words, invitations will only be sent to qualified candidates who have entered the pool before the date of the draw.
Need Help Moving To Canada? Create A Free Account
Canada’s PNP has a wide range of programs for individuals looking to live and work in Canada. The program contributes a large number of newcomers each year, particularly in recent years. And it’s effective because it allows the provinces to determine their priorities and offer pathways for workers that meet local needs.
Our free immigration quiz can help you to assess your eligibility for Canada’s PNP. Sign up for a free account and take the quiz.
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About the author
Stephanie Ford
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