Every month, Canadian provinces and territories invite applicants to their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for permanent residence. Out of the 13 Canadian provinces and territories, 11 (except Quebec and Nunavut) have their PNPs. These PNPs allow provinces to nominate applicants with relevant skills and experience who can help meet the local labor market shortages. PNPs have their selection criteria and eligibility requirements.
The government body of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes the final decision on permanent residence applications. This has made PNPs the second most important and preferred immigration pathway to Canada. According to Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2021-23, Canada is planning to invite around 80,000 applicants every year through the PNPs.
How Did the Enhanced PNP Streams Perform in October 2021?
Almost all PNPs have at least one stream that is aligned with the Express Entry system. These are known as Enhanced PNP streams. The IRCC conducts an Express Entry draw every 2 weeks to invite applicants from Enhanced PNP streams.
In October 2021, IRCC held 2 PNP-specific draws, one on October 13 and another on October 27 to invite a total of 1,569 applicants for permanent residence. For 2 months now, the IRCC has only been holding PNP-specific draws. Up until now in 2021, there have been 21 PNP-specific draws and the number of applicants invited via these draws has exceeded compared to the same time last year. See the Canadian PNP draw updates.
How Did the PNP Streams Perform in October 2021?
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
The OINP held 7 PNP draws in October 2021. After a 2 month break, the OINP finally invited 486 applicants to the Human Capital Priorities Stream on October 6. On October 7, 162 Express Entry candidates who had submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream were invited to apply for provincial nomination. On October 21, the OINP invited 546 applicants to the Master's Graduate, Ph.D. Graduate, and Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream.
