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Several Canadian provincial nominee programs (PNPs) underwent numerous revisions and updates throughout April.
Being aware of these recent changes benefits the current pool of candidates, prospective applicants, and official agents, enabling them to submit applications informed by the latest guidelines.
During April, the provincial nominee programs (PNPs) of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia implemented various updates.
This article details all the modifications and updates introduced by these PNPs over the month.
Language Requirements for Provincial Nominee Program
All candidates applying through an Express Entry stream of a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are required to undergo a language test.
Candidates must include their test scores in their Express Entry profile. These scores must be current and valid. Since the Express Entry system electronically confirms the test scores with the testing agency, PNP-EE applicants are not required to attach a copy of their test results with their application.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program, now called the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, announced on April 23 that the temporary processing adjustments for Ukrainian nationals will conclude on April 30, 2024.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Fee Updates
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has revised its fees for various application streams and services. These updates include charges for worker streams, the farm stream, post-nomination services, and requests for changes to business performance agreements. Additionally, a new fee has been introduced for submitting an expression of interest under the entrepreneur streams.
Here are the updated fees for various types of applications and requests:
| Application/Request Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Worker stream applications: | |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream; Alberta Express Entry Stream; Rural Renewal Stream; Tourism and Hospitality Stream | $840 |
| Entrepreneur stream applications: | |
| Graduate Entrepreneur Stream; Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream; Rural Entrepreneur Stream; Farm Stream | $3,500 |
| Expression of Interest (Required and evaluated based on points factors for invitation to submit a full application) | |
| Graduate Entrepreneur Stream; Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream; Rural Entrepreneur Stream | $200 |
| Request to Extend Nomination (Reissue of an expired nomination certificate after 6 months) | $150 |
| Request for a 205(c) Letter of Support from AAIP to apply for a work permit | $150 |
| Request for a 205(a) Letter of Support from AAIP to apply for work permit | $150 |
| Request for Reconsideration | $250 |
| Request for Business Performance Agreement changes | $150 |
These fee adjustments are part of AAIP’s ongoing efforts to streamline processes and provide clear guidelines for applicants and stakeholders.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
The BC PNP has released an operational update concerning the timing of the Skills Immigration draws, which are typically announced weekly.
Starting from April 30, invitations to apply for the BC PNP Skills Immigration will be issued to eligible registrations that were submitted before the day of the draw.
Registrations made on the day of the draw will not be eligible for that specific draw. Instead, these will be considered for a subsequent draw.
BC PNP draws are generally scheduled every Tuesday, although occasionally they may occur on a Wednesday.
Update on BC PNP Skills Immigration Draw Schedule
Effective April 30, 2024, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) will issue invitations for its Skills Immigration stream to applicants whose registrations were submitted before the scheduled draw date. Registrations that are submitted on the day of the draw will not be eligible for consideration until a later draw.
The page for Invitations to Apply will generally be updated within 24 hours following the issuance of the invitations.
If you intend to participate in a BC PNP draw in the same week, you should ensure to create your profile and register before Monday. This timing is essential to be included in that week’s selection process.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Update
The MPNP has announced that the special provisions for Ukrainian Expression of Interest (EOI) draws will end on April 30, 2024. Despite this change, Ukrainians are still welcome to submit their EOIs like any other candidates.
Additionally, starting May 1, 2024, new Ukrainian applicants will no longer be eligible for a refund of the application fee.
Effective April 26, Manitoba has also begun to prioritize the evaluation of MPNP applications for candidates with expired or soon-to-expire work permits. This action aims to assist individuals, particularly those holding post-graduation work permits (PGWP) and other types of work permits, who are facing challenges.
MPNP applicants whose work permits have recently expired or will expire within the next 45 days are advised to inform the MPNP through the Skilled Worker Webform to receive priority processing.
In response to the difficulties faced by holders of post-graduation work permits and other temporary residents, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) will temporarily give priority to evaluating applications from those with expired or soon-to-expire work permits. Applicants in this situation should promptly notify the MPNP by filling out the Skilled Worker Webform if their work permits have expired or will expire within the next 45 days.
Applicants must ensure they provide accurate and current information to the MPNP and report any changes in their application details or residency status in Canada. It is also crucial for applicants to maintain their legal immigration status in Canada. For more information on maintaining valid status, applicants should consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP) Update
The NS PNP has released an update concerning its Skilled Worker stream, which supports employers in hiring recently graduated international students and foreign workers with skills in demand in Nova Scotia.
As of April 17, 2024, the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program has paused the acceptance of applications from the Accommodation and Food Services sector. This decision was made to manage the existing backlog, following a significant influx of applications from candidates within this sector.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Update
The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program, known as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), has introduced a mandatory update to the Employer Form required for the Employer: Job Offer stream. Effective April 10, 2024, a new version of the form titled “Application for Approval of Employment Position (Employer Form)” must be used. This form can be identified by the version code 2024/04, which is located on the bottom left corner of every page. Starting April 10, 2024, all new Employer: Job Offer stream nominations must include this updated form. The OINP has advised that any applications submitted with an older version of the form will be considered incomplete and will be returned, with payments reimbursed.