Key Immigration Updates from British Columbia and Manitoba
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are instrumental in addressing the country’s evolving labor market needs. This past week, British Columbia and Manitoba announced critical updates impacting skilled workers and aspiring immigrants. While British Columbia held targeted draws under its PNP, Manitoba has decided to phase out its temporary open work permit policy for PNP candidates. Here’s an in-depth look at these developments and what they mean for immigration hopefuls.
British Columbia’s PNP Draws: A Focus on Skills and Sector-Specific Needs
On December 10, 2024, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) conducted two distinct draws targeting candidates under the Skilled Worker and Entry Level & Semi-Skilled streams.
General Draw Results
The general draw issued six Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates, including those eligible under the Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) option, with the following minimum scores:
| Stream | Minimum Score | Number of ITAs |
| Skilled Worker | 148 | 6 |
| Skilled Worker (EEBC option) | 148 | |
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 121 |
Sector-Specific Draw Results
In a second draw, British Columbia targeted candidates with professional experience in priority sectors, issuing fewer than five ITAs per sector. Here’s a breakdown of the results:
| Sector | Stream | Minimum Score | Number of ITAs |
| Childcare | Skilled Worker (including EEBC) | 101 | <5 |
| Construction | Skilled Worker (including EEBC) | 112 | <5 |
| Healthcare | Skilled Worker (including EEBC) | 121 | <5 |
| Veterinary Care | Skilled Worker (including EEBC) | 80 | <5 |
What It Means: By holding sector-specific draws, British Columbia is committed to addressing labor shortages in critical fields. Candidates in these sectors may find greater opportunities to immigrate through the province’s enhanced PNP streams.
Manitoba Ends Temporary Open Work Permit Policy
On December 6, 2024, Manitoba announced that it would soon end its Temporary Public Policy for Work Permits under its Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
Understanding the Policy
Introduced in August 2024, this temporary policy allowed PNP candidates to apply for open work permits (OWPs) using support letters issued by the MPNP. However, the policy is now set to end, with the following key deadlines:
- December 19, 2024, 11:59 PM CST: Last date to apply for a support letter from Manitoba through the online submission form.
- December 31, 2024: Final date for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to accept OWP applications under this policy.
Who Is Affected?
This decision impacts PNP candidates who are in the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool or Manitoba’s application inventory and who rely on support letters to apply for open work permits.
Key Takeaways for Candidates
These updates represent significant shifts in Canada’s PNP landscape:
- For British Columbia Applicants:
- Aligning your professional profile with priority sectors like childcare, healthcare, construction, or veterinary care could increase your chances of receiving an ITA.
- Skilled workers in the Express Entry pool should monitor BC’s enhanced draws to maximize their opportunities.
- For Manitoba Applicants:
- Candidates should act swiftly to secure support letters before the December 19, 2024 deadline.
- Explore alternative immigration pathways if you are unable to meet the timeline for an open work permit application.
Looking Ahead: Adapting to Canada’s Dynamic Immigration Policies
Canada’s PNPs continue to evolve to address economic and workforce demands. These changes in British Columbia and Manitoba highlight the importance of staying informed and proactive about immigration pathways.
Whether you’re aiming to build a future in British Columbia’s thriving priority sectors or navigating the shifting policies in Manitoba, preparation is key. Ensure your application aligns with the latest requirements to capitalize on the opportunities available.
If you have questions about how this change impacts your plans, reach out to us for expert guidance.
