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Canada PNPDraw

Canada PNP draws can be a stepping stone in your journey of getting a Canadian PNP in 2023. This year PNP is overtaking Express Entry as the principal pathway for bringing economic immigrants to Canada. The federal government has provided a multi-year allocation plan to the provinces and territories participating in PNP. By the end of 2025, 117,500 immigrants will be admitted to Canada through Canada Provincial Nominee Program.

In order to join Canada as a skilled worker, you need to stand in line with any of the Canadian economic immigration programs. In Canada, there are multiple economic immigration pathways via which you can immigrate to Canada in 2023 with your family as a skilled worker. All the economic immigration gateways stand out with different eligibility criteria. To immigrate to Canada via any program, you are required to meet the program’s requirements.

Express Entry stands out as the most prominent pathway to acquiring a Canadian PR visa. Express Entry is responsible for managing the application of three federal economic programs: FSWP, FSTP, and CEC. If you choose any program under the Express Entry (EE) to immigrate to Canada, you must be meeting:

  • Requirements of the program via which you wish to immigrate
  • CRS score to defeat the cut-off in the Express Entry draw

One great accessible substitute to the Express Entry is the Canada PNP draw. You have the route of immigrating to Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program other than EE. Additionally, this year the federal government has increased the allocation for PNPs, which means the highest entries to Canada as permanent residents will be taken via PNP. You would have a high chance of acquiring a Canadian PR visa via the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

What is ProvincialNominee Program?

Provincial Nominee Program, commonly popular as PNP, stands as the alternative to the Express Entry to acquiring a Canadian PR visa. This immigration gateway was launched in Canada back in 1998. In the year 1998, only 400 newcomers made their way to Canada through this immigration pathway. However, Canada’s PNP draws have gained the limelight of every immigrant out there over the past years.

The federal government launched this immigration pathway to increase the benefits of immigration across Canada. Before the implementation of this new gateway, most immigrants used to get settled in British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario only. In order to spread the benefits across all Canadian provinces and territories, this new pathway was added to the existing immigration pathways.

10 provinces and 3 territories exist on the map of Canada. Almost every province and territory has got their Provincial Nominee Program with many streams and sub-streams. However, there are two exceptions: Quebec and Nunavut. Quebec has the liberty and authorization to operate its economic immigration pathway through a special agreement with the federal government. If you want to immigrate to Quebec, you must be meeting its specific eligibility criteria.

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Provincial Nominee Program is considered highly effective for candidates who wish to settle down in any particular province or territory. If you get the nomination from any province, you will have to reside and work in that particular province. However, the Canadian constitution allows you to move anywhere throughout Canada under “mobility rights."

How to Apply forCanada PNP in 2023?

In order to move to any Canadian province or territory except Quebec and Nunavut, you can apply via any stream under Provincial Nominee Program. You will have to meet the eligibility criteria of the particular stream of province/territory through which you apply. There are two types of streams generally via which you can apply for nomination:

Enhanced Stream:
Almost each PNP has at least one stream interconnected with the Express Entry System. If you apply via a stream connected to the Express Entry System, you will be rewarded 600 points if nominated. However, in order to get the nomination from the province, you must be meeting its eligibility criteria.

Each province designs its eligibility criteria based on its economic and demographic requirements. In order to acquire a nomination, you must have an EE profile. If you seem an appropriate candidate meeting the province’s requirements, you will receive NOI (Notification of Interest).

Whenever you submit an application through a stream connected with EE, the application gets processed within 6 to 8 months post-submission.

Note: 600 additional CRS points through a PNP stream interlinked with the EE guarantee you an ITA in the subsequent draw.

Base Stream:
Whenever an applicant submits an application outside of Express Entry, it is known as a base stream. This stream stands out as effective for those candidates not meeting the eligibility criteria of any program under the Express Entry.

You must note that you need to satisfy the stream’s requirements in order to get the nomination outside of Express Entry too. If you meet the stream’s eligibility criteria, you will apply to the province. If approved, you will get a nomination certificate.

Once you have got the nomination certificate, you will be submitting your application to the IRCC along with the certificate. The processing time for the base stream application is approximately 19 months post-submission.

Remark: If you are eligible for the Express Entry pool, you must consider the enhanced stream. The core benefit of enhanced is the shorter processing time. Conversely, getting a PR visa through a base stream is a 2-step process with less processing time.

How many Candidates wereInvited through Canada PNP Draws in 2022?

The IRCC gave entries to 53,057 immigrants in 2022 through Canada PNP draws. However, this number is the total of the entries made through the express entry and non-express entry streams. In 2022, 19,160 candidates were invited through Express Entry. While the rest candidates were invited outside the Express Entry. Let’s have a look at the breakdown of the Express Entry linked ITAs (Enhanced Nomination):

Province Number of Issued ITAs in 2022 (Enhanced Nomination)
Alberta 3,385
British Columbia 4,240
Manitoba 1,995
Northwest Territories 15
Newfoundland and Labrador 305
New Brunswick 775
Nova Scotia 1,620
Ontario 5,170
Prince Edward Island 385
Saskatchewan 1,235
Yukon 25
Total 19,160 ITAs

As per the new immigration levels plan 2023-2025, the IRCC has increased the allocation for the PNP. In order to accomplish the new targets, Canada PNP draws are happening. 20,180 candidates have been invited through Canada PNP draws till March 2023. Let’s have a look at the PNP allocation for the provinces and territories for 2023 to 2025.

Provinces and Territories PNP allocation
Alberta 10,849 by 2025
Ontario 18,000 by 2025
Manitoba 9,500 in 2023
Saskatchewan 8,500 by 2025
Yukon 430 in 2023

The federal government has increased PNPs allocation. This sudden hike in the PNPs allocation will improve your chances of securing a PR through Canadian PNP draws. The PNP nominations are set to increase to 105,000 in 2023 and 117,500 by 2025.

Increasing the PNP allocation will help the provincial and territorial governments to deal with the workforce shortage effectively. This will aid in picking up candidates who are more likely to help in the development of the economy.

How many Canada PNP Drawshave been Conducted in 2023?

This year PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) will overtake Express Entry as the major source of bringing economic immigrants to Canada. The federal government has offered a multi-year allocation plan to the provinces and territories participating in PNP. Along with this, the federal government has increased the allocation for almost every province and territory. Increasing the allocation will help provinces and territories grapple with the workforce shortage smoothly.

In order to meet the 2023 allocation, provinces & territories are conducting Canada PNP draws effectively. Let’s see how many Canada PNP draws have been conducted in each month of 2023-

Highlights of Canada PNP Draw (January 2023)

  • There were a total of 15 Canada PNP draws in the month of January 2023.
  • British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and PEI participated in these draws.
  • Ontario issued the highest number of invitations and became the start of the month.
  • The first Canada PNP draw was conducted on Jan 04, 2023.

Highlights of Canada PNP Draw (February 2023)

  • Six Canadian provinces in Canada PNP draws in the month of February 2023.
  • These six provinces are Manitoba, Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and PEI.
  • A total number of 5,732 nominations were issued under Canada PNP draws in February.
  • Ontario remained the star of the month by issuing 3,183 invitations in Feb as well.

Highlights of Canada PNP Draw (March 2023)

  • In the month of March, there were 21 Canada PNP draws.
  • The total number of invited candidates via these Canada PNP draws was 8,804.
  • The month of March is also known as “National Engineering Month of Canada."
  • Eight provinces of Canada participated in these 21 PNP draws.
  • Ontario remained the star of the month consecutively for the third time.

Highlights of Canada PNP Draw (April 2023)

  • A total of seven provinces contributed to the April Canada PNP draws.
  • 6,174 nominations were issued in the April PNP draws.
  • Manitoba topped the list in April by issuing the highest number of invitations.

How many Provincial NomineePrograms are there in Canada?

There are a total of 13 provinces and territories in Canada. However, only ten provinces/territories participate in this program and conduct Canada PNP draws. Quebec and Nunavut are exemptions. Quebec has its own immigration program through an agreement with the federal government. Let’s see how many express and non-express entry streams these participating provinces and territories operate under their PNP.

PNP Express Entry Linked Streams Non-Express Entry Linked Streams
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Express Entry

Accelerated Tech Pathway
Rural Renewal Stream

Opportunity Stream

Rural Entrepreneur Stream

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Farm Stream
British Columbia Nominee Program EEBC – Skilled Worker

EE BC – Health Authority

EEBC – International Graduate

EEBC – International Post-Graduate

SI – Entry Level and Semi-Skilled
Skills Immigration (SI) – Skilled Worker

Health Authority

SI – International Graduate

SI – International Post-Graduate Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur Regional Pilot
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Skilled Workers

Overseas: Express

Entry Pathway
Skilled Workers Overseas

Skilled Workers Overseas: Human Capital Pathway

Skilled Workers in Manitoba

Skilled Workers in Manitoba: Work Experience Pathway

SWM: Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway

Career Employment Pathway (International Education Stream)*

Graduate Internship Pathway (International Education Stream)

Student Entrepreneur Pathway (International Education Stream)

Business Investor Stream: Entrepreneur

Business Investor Stream: Farm Investor

Morden Community-Drive Initiative
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry Labour
Market Stream
Skilled Worker With Employer Support

Post-Graduate Entrepreneur Entrepreneur
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry Skilled Worker Priority Skills — In-Demand Occupation stream

Priority Skills — Education stream

Skilled Worker

International Graduate**

International Graduate Entrepreneur

International Entrepreneur
Northwest Territories Nominee Program Express Entry Skilled Workers

Critical Impact

Business Stream
Nova Scotia Nominee Program Nova Scotia Experience: (Express Entry)

Express Entry Labour Market Priorities

Labour Market Priorities for Physician
Skilled Worker

International Graduate Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur

International Graduates In Demand

Occupations in Demand

Physician
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Human Capital Priorities

French-Speaking Skilled Worker

Skilled Trades
Foreign Worker

International Student

In-Demand Skills

Masters Graduates

PhD Graduates

Entrepreneur

Corporate
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry Skilled Worker outside Canada (Labour Impact)

Skilled Worker in PEI (Labour Impact)

Critical Worker (Labour Impact)

International Graduate (Labour Impact)

Occupations In Demand

Business Work Permit Entrepreneur
**Quebec Immigration Program** - Quebec Skilled Worker Program

Quebec Experience Program: Foreign workers

Quebec Experience Program: Students & graduates

Entrepreneur Program

Self-Employed Program

Investor Program
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program International Skilled Worker: Express Entry International Skilled Worker: Occupations In-Demand

Tech Talent Pathway

International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer

Saskatchewan Experience: Existing Work Permits & Health Professionals

Saskatchewan Experience: Students

Saskatchewan Experience: Hospitality Workers

Saskatchewan Experience: Long Haul Truck Drivers

Saskatchewan Experience: Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit

Entrepreneur

Farm Owner and Operator

International Graduate Entrepreneur

Hard-To-Fill Skills Pilot
Yukon Nominee Program Express Entry Skilled Worker

Critical Impact Worker

Business Nominee

How can Dynamic Group Helpyou in your Canada Immigration Journey?

Dynamic Group has been a “global mobility and foreign resettlement” domain leader for the last 47 years. We stepped into this journey back in 1977, intending to help people with their immigration objectives. In the span of 47 years, we have evolved as one of the finest immigration consultations throughout India. In India, Dynamic Group ranks amongst the top 10 immigration consultants. Providing thorough support from starting point to the end is our ultimate goal.

So far, we have assisted over 4,00,000 clients with their immigration and resettlement objectives. Our immigration consultants assess your case deeply to provide the best solution. Making your dream come true as soon as possible in the most convenient way is our ultimate goal. Taking Dynamic Group as your immigration consultant will provide you with a wide range of benefits:

  • The assistance of registered RCIC immigration professionals with 15+ years of experience
  • Aid in application preparation and submission
  • Customized and personalized IELTS courses from our in-house IELTS academy
  • Complete service assistance from immigration professionals throughout your immigration procedure
  • Support in finalizing the right immigration pathway that goes with your profile and experience
  • Deep assessment of your case
  • Record of highest visa approval
  • Transparent communication throughout the process

Let us help to make your transition process an incredible experience. Contact us today to know your eligibility for Canada PR. We have got experts who will assist you at every step of your immigration journey. Canada eagerly awaits you as a permanent resident; get a Canada PR visa through PNP draw and enjoy the ultimate benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PNP draw in Canada?

A PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) draw in Canada refers to the periodic selection process conducted by individual provinces and territories to invite eligible candidates to apply for provincial nomination. The PNP allows provinces and territories to nominate foreign nationals with the skills and experience needed to contribute to their local economy and meet their specific labour market demands. These provincial nominations provide candidates with an additional points of 600 when applying for permanent residency in Canada.

In order to immigrate to Canada through Canada PNP draw, you need to align with the requirements of any streams operated by the province. Each Canadian province and territory except Quebec and Nunavut operates many streams with different eligibility criteria. Therefore, before you proceed further with any stream, ensure you meet its core requirements. Most streams are connected with Express Entry. Therefore, you should always try to apply for a nomination through a PNP-connected stream.

How often do PNP draws occur?

The frequency of PNP draws varies among provinces and territories in Canada. Each province or territory manages its own immigration programs and determines the timing and frequency of its draws. Some provinces conduct draws on a regular basis, such as bi-weekly or monthly, while others may have less frequent draws depending on their specific needs and immigration targets.

In addition to the above, it is not even easy to forecast the Canada PNP draw. Therefore, you will have to keep an eye on the PNP draws of the province where you wish to relocate as a PR holder. As listed above, the provincial governments look for candidates who can help in flourishing local economic and demographic needs. Hence, if you are competent enough to contribute to the economy of any province, you can consider the provincial Nominee program of the same province.

How are candidates selected in PNP draws?

The selection process for PNP draws typically involves the provinces or territories issuing invitations to candidates who meet the eligibility criteria of their respective immigration streams. And you must note that each stream under all provincial nominee programs comes up with different eligibility criteria. For instance, there might be a stream that looks for candidates with proficiency in French. On the other hand, another stream under the same provincial nominee program may consider immigrants with work experience in any in-demand occupation.

Each province or territory has its own set of criteria, which may include factors like education, work experience, language proficiency, and connection to the region. The candidates who receive invitations in the draw are often those who have the highest scores based on the specific eligibility requirements. Subsequently, you will have to check with which PNP stream you align the most.

What happens after receiving a provincial nomination through a Canada PNP draw?

After receiving a provincial nomination through a Canada PNP draw, candidates can use the nomination to apply for permanent residency to the federal government through the Provincial Nominee Class or the Express Entry system, depending on the specific stream they were nominated under. If you were nominated through a stream connected with Express Entry, you can apply for the Canada PR visa through Express Entry. If, on the contrary, you got the PNP nomination through a stream not connected with the Express Entry, you will have to apply for a PR visa through a Provincial Nominee Program of the respective province directly.

Note: If you obtain a nomination through a stream interconnected with the Express Entry, you will be awarded 600 additional CRS points. Having 600 additional points guarantees you an ITA for the PR visa in the Express Entry Draw. Therefore, it is advised that you should apply considering through a stream connected with the Express Entry.

Are Canada PNP draws competitive?

PNP draws can be competitive, as the number of candidates who express interest in immigrating to specific provinces often exceeds the available spots. Provinces and territories aim to select candidates who can contribute to their local economy and address labor market needs. Therefore, candidates with higher scores and qualifications are more likely to receive invitations. However, the competitiveness varies depending on the province, the specific immigration stream, and the number of spots available in each draw.

Whenever any province conducts a PNP draw for any specific stream, it prefers to select candidates with either the highest points or more who are more likely to settle in the province based on ties to the province, education, and other factors. Hence, if you are a competent candidate, you will have higher chances for nomination.

Can Canada PNP draws’ eligibility criteria change over time?

Yes, PNP draws can change over time. Provinces and territories have the flexibility to modify their immigration streams, eligibility criteria, and selection processes as per their evolving economic and demographic needs. Changes can occur in terms of the required qualifications, application procedures, or the number of spots available in each draw. It is important for candidates to stay updated with the latest information from the specific province or territory they are interested in to ensure they meet the current requirements.

Therefore, before you consider applying through any stream/sub-stream, you must check out its latest eligibility criteria. And proceed further only when you are meeting the eligibility criteria. For example, if you apply for a nomination through HCPS under Ontario, possibly this stream may target individuals with work experience in the healthcare sector to fulfill the local economic requirements. And during the second draw under the same stream, the province may prefer candidates with experience in the IT sector. The eligibility criteria may take different shapes as per the requirement of the economy.

Is there any steam for French-speaking candidates under Ontario Nomination Program?

Yes, Ontario operates a stream named the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. This stream is connected with the express entry target individuals with proficiency in French and English. This stream brings French-speaking economic immigrants to Ontario for professions where French is compulsory.

Before you apply for this stream, you must have an Express Entry profile created via any of its programs. Each of its three programs has got different eligibility criteria. Therefore, you should apply through a stream with which you stand in line. Along with this, you need to stand in line with the program’s requirements as well. If you seem a competent candidate, the province may nominate you through the respective stream. Kindly refer to the below-listed eligibility criteria for this particular stream:

  • Express Entry profile
  • Proficiency in English and French
  • 1 year of work experience in an occupation listed under NOC 0, 1, and 2
  • The minimum education is a bachelor’s.

Can candidates participate in multiple PNP draws simultaneously?

Yes, candidates can participate in multiple PNP draws simultaneously, provided they meet the eligibility criteria of the respective provinces or territories. Since each province manages its own immigration programs and selection processes, candidates can express interest and submit applications to multiple provinces or territories at the same time. However, if a candidate receives a provincial nomination from one province, they would typically need to withdraw their application from other provinces and proceed with the nomination they received.

Applying for multiple PNP draws will open opportunities for you to increase your chances for the nomination. Therefore, you should have an eye on multiple Provincial Nominee Programs.

Where can I find information about upcoming PNP draws?

Information about upcoming PNP draws is typically available on the official websites of the provincial or territorial immigration authorities. Each province or territory has its own dedicated website with details about their immigration programs, eligibility criteria, and the timing of draws. Candidates can regularly check these websites for the most up-to-date information on upcoming draws. Additionally, immigration news portals and forums may also provide updates on PNP draws and related information.

As mentioned earlier, the eligibility may vary from one stream to another. Also, over time, the respective authorities may change the eligibility criteria. Therefore, whenever you aim to apply for a nomination through any stream, ensure you fulfill its eligibility criteria.

Is PNP faster than the Express Entry Program?

On a note of comparison, Express Entry stands out faster than Provincial Nominee Program. Whenever a candidate applies for a Canada PR visa through Express Entry, it only takes nearly 10 to 12 months to process the application. Provincial Nomination Program, on the other hand, may take up to 18 to 24 months post-submission of the application. Therefore, it is advised that candidates should consider applying through Express Entry.

Express Entry functions to manage three major programs known as FSWP, FSTP, and CEC. All three are economic programs responsible for bringing economic immigrants to Canada. However, all these economic immigrant programs hold different eligibility criteria. So, before applying for any program, you must ensure you are in line with the eligibility criteria.

You must note that your application can get rejected if you submit an incomplete application or with any fake information. Hence, before you submit your application, thoroughly check to ensure it has no errors.

How Can I settle in Ontario?

The best way to settle in Ontario is through its provincial nomination program. There are several streams that Ontario operates under its provincial nominee program. And the good part of Ontario’s provincial nomination program is that most streams are connected with Express Entry. Choosing an Express Entry connected stream is always favorable because of the short processing time.

As listed above, there are many streams interconnected with Express Entry; choose a stream with which you stand in line. Candidates with work experience in in-demand occupations or French proficiency have the highest chances of getting an NOI while being in the Express Entry pool. Province often comes to the pool to find out the potential candidates for the nomination. Therefore, in order to increase your chances for PNP nomination, you must have an Express Entry profile.

Ontario often conduct draws through its various streams to find out candidates who can support its demographic and economic objectives. Over the past few months, Ontario has conducted draws for healthcare, IT, and technology, etc, sectors. The employment rate with high-paying salaries in this province is much higher than in other Canadian provinces.

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