Smaller Draws & Program Changes for PNP in November 2024

Highlights From November’s PNP Draws Across Canada

November PNP activity continued the 2024 trend of targeted draws to address specific labor market needs across provinces.

Alberta stood out with its three draws, issuing a significant 714 invitations in streams targeting Post-Graduation Work Permit holders (which will be a relief for international students who meet the criteria), healthcare professionals, and trades. This focus on skilled and in-demand workers reflects Alberta’s ongoing effort to fill critical labor shortages.

British Columbia completed a draw every week, but November’s draws were small with a high CRS compared to what we’re used to seeing from BC. It issued invitations across five draws, targeting occupations in childcare, construction, healthcare, tech, and veterinary care. Its largest draw invited just 51 candidates. Also worth noting is that BC only issued targeted invitations to veterinary care workers in 3 of 5 draws in November. This may suggest that BC will deprioritize invitations for veterinary care workers if need be to adjust to lower allocations in 2025.

Manitoba maintained steady activity with two draws, issuing a total of 553 invitations across its Skilled Worker, International Education, and Skilled Worker Overseas streams. A notable highlight was a targeted occupation-specific draw for restaurant and food service managers.

Prince Edward Island issued 59 invitations in a single draw focused on healthcare, construction, and manufacturing roles. Meanwhile, Ontario announced the closure of its Entrepreneur stream, shifting focus away from business immigration.

November vs. October PNP Draw Activity Comparison

Overall Trends

Total Invitations in November: 1,396 invitations.

Vs October: 6,079 invitations.

Trend: November saw significantly fewer total invitations compared to October, with most provinces scaling down their draw sizes. This isn’t surprising given the significant cuts coming to PNP in 2025.

Province-by-Province Comparison

Alberta

November: 714 invitations across three draws, with a focus on healthcare, trades, and Post-Graduation Work Permit holders.

October: No draws reported.

Trend: November marked a resurgence in activity for Alberta, targeting specific workforce needs.

British Columbia (BC)

November: 127 invitations across five draws, with small-scale, targeted approaches.

October: Up to 816 invitations across five draws.

Trend: BC maintained its frequency of draws but issued far fewer invitations in November.

Manitoba

November: 553 invitations across two draws, with targeted streams like restaurant and food service managers.

October: 487 invitations across two draws.

Trend: A slight increase in invitations in November, with continued emphasis on specific occupations and strategic recruitment.

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

November: 59 invitations in one targeted draw.

October: 91 invitations in one draw.

Trend: November saw fewer invitations compared to October, but the focus on healthcare, construction, and manufacturing remained consistent.

Ontario

November: No invitations issued, but the Entrepreneur stream closure was announced.

October: 3,035 invitations across two draws, primarily targeting skilled trades and priority occupations.

Trend: Ontario scaled back significantly in November.

Quebec

November: No draws reported.

October: 1,650 invitations in one draw.

Trend: Quebec did not report activity in November, a significant decrease from the draw published October (though the draw did take place late in September. This was expected given its announcement that the program is currently paused until June 2025 at the latest.

Key Trends

• Alberta emerged as the most active province in November, issuing 714 invitations, reflecting its targeted focus on filling critical roles.
• November’s 1,396 invitations were substantially fewer than October’s 6,079, highlighting a quieter month for PNP activity overall.
• Ontario scaled back significantly, issuing no invitations compared to over 3,000 in October.
• November saw BC and Manitoba issuing more targeted, occupation-specific draws compared to October’s broader activity.

Provincial Nominee Program Updates From November 2024

Alberta Publishes FAQs

Technically this is a December update, but we wanted to share it with you as early as we could: Alberta has published answers to questions it frequently hears here.

Québec’s New PSTQ Program

Program Launch and Overview
Québec has introduced the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) to replace the Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés (PRTQ). The PSTQ streamlines the process for skilled workers to immigrate to Québec.

PSTQ’s Four Components

1. Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills: For workers with advanced expertise.
2. Intermediate and Manual Skills: For trades and hands-on professions.
3. Regulated Professions: For those in occupations requiring specific certifications.
4. Exceptional Talent: For individuals with unique skills that benefit Québec.

How it Works

• Applicants must submit a Declaration of Interest.
• If their profile matches Québec’s needs, they may be invited to apply for permanent selection.

Transition for Current Applications

• Applications submitted under the PRTQ before November 29, 2024, will be processed under the old rules.
• Invitations have been paused until June 30, 2025 at the latest, but will resume under the new PSTQ program.

Action Required: Update Declarations of Interest
Those who submitted a Declaration of Interest before November 29, 2024, should update their profile to stay eligible for future invitations.

British Columbia PNP: International Graduate Stream Changes

Final ITAs for International Graduate Stream
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued its last Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for the International Graduate (IG) stream on November 26, 2024.

What Happens Next?

• The IG stream is now closed.
• Profiles in the IG pool that are not selected will be removed.

Upcoming New Streams
BC PNP plans to launch three new streams for international students. The start date for these new streams will be announced soon.

• Learn more about BC’s International Student Program changes.

Ontario PNP: Entrepreneur Stream Closing

Stream Closure
Ontario is closing the Entrepreneur Stream after pausing applications since December 2023. Updates to regulations, including Ontario Regulation 439/24 and 438/24, outline the wind-down process.

For Current Applicants

• Applications already submitted will continue to be processed under the updated rules.
• Eligible applicants may still receive nominations for permanent residence based on commitments made for their businesses.

Next Steps
Ontario will contact all current applicants and their representatives soon with detailed instructions. Questions can be directed to: [email protected].