This week, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island (PEI) have both opened applications for their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), inviting candidates to apply for immigration opportunities aimed at boosting their local economies.
British Columbia’s Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
On March 18, British Columbia conducted a draw under its Entrepreneur Immigration category, specifically targeting foreign entrepreneurs who have either launched new businesses or acquired existing ones in the province.
The draw resulted in the issuance of 8 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Base Stream, with a minimum score requirement of 115. Additionally, fewer than five entrepreneurs received ITAs through the Regional Stream, which required a higher minimum score of 123.
The selection criteria considered various factors, including the candidate’s business concept and registration score, which reflects human capital and economic contributions.
Draw Category | Number of ITAs Issued | Cut-off Score |
Base Stream | 8 | 115 |
Regional Stream | <5 | 123 |
Prince Edward Island’s Focus on Key Sectors
Meanwhile, on March 20, PEI conducted its third draw of the year, issuing 124 ITAs. This round primarily focused on candidates already residing and working in the province for at least one year in sectors critical to economic development. The PEI PNP emphasizes occupations in healthcare, trades, and manufacturing as priority areas.
The selection process for PEI involves an Expression of Interest (EOI) system that evaluates candidates based on several criteria:
- Language proficiency (English or French)
- Education level and field
- Work experience and skill level
- Alignment with strategic priorities addressing immediate labor market needs
The recent draw reflects PEI’s ongoing commitment to enhance its workforce by selecting skilled professionals who can contribute to its economic growth. So far this year, PEI has issued a total of 233 ITAs, with no invitations extended to business candidates yet.
Both provinces are expected to continue their PNP draws throughout the year, with British Columbia focusing on entrepreneurial talent and PEI prioritizing workers in essential sectors.
The next scheduled draw for PEI is set for April 17, 2025, providing further opportunities for qualified candidates seeking permanent residency in Canada.
These immigration initiatives not only aim to fill labor shortages but also foster economic development by attracting individuals who can bring valuable skills and experiences to these provinces.
