BC held new invitation rounds under the BCPNP
On March 5, 2024, the Government of British Columbia held new invitation draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and issued invitations to apply to skilled candidates in the general draw and to candidates with work experience in healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary care occupations. In the general draw, the province invited 54 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited in this draw was 99 points, the same as the previous general draw. BC issued 32 ITAs to candidates who scored 70 points under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202). In the Healthcare-targeted draw, British Columbia invited 39 candidates who scored 70 points. The province also issued 30 invitations to candidates working in the construction sector. Furthermore, up to five invitations have been issued to candidates working in veterinary care occupations. In total, British Columbia issued up to 160 ITAs in this draw. In 2023, British Columbia has already invited up to 2,006 candidates.
Newfoundland and Labrador opened the Employment Steps for Success Program
On March 5, 2024, the Immigration, Population Growth, and Skills Department of Newfoundland and Labrador announcedthat the provincial Government has officially opened the application process for its Employment Steps for Success Program (ESS). Aiming to empower non-profit community organizations, the ESS pilot program offers financial support for developing, implementing, and delivering career planning and employment readiness initiatives. A substantial investment of $1 million has been allocated to non-profit community organizations to boost career planning and employment readiness initiatives. This funding, now available, follows the success of last year’s Employment Steps for Success Program, which saw 19 community organizations receive support for delivering ESS programming. Organizations keen on making a difference in employment can apply for funding, with a maximum of $50,000 per stream. The application process, which is exclusively online, covers two distinct streams: Adult Pre-Employment and Career Exploration for Youth. Interested parties can submit their applications under one or both streams before the March 13, 2024 deadline.
Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) are now available for international student applicants in BC and Alberta
As of March 4, 2024, the government of British Columbia has initiated the issuance of Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) directly to eligible postsecondary institutions. These PALs are essential for new international student applicants seeking to apply for a study permit in the province. Following the January 22, 2024 announcement by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandating the attachment of a PAL with study permit applications, the PAL issuing process in B.C. is now fully operational. Reports indicate that Alberta has also commenced the issuance of PALs to international students. A noteworthy aspect of this mechanism is that institutions are actively obtaining PALs for their international students. For prospective international students planning to pursue studies in British Columbia or Alberta, contacting their respective institutions will provide additional information regarding the PAL application process.
