Canada Immigration News Podcast #27 – Provincial Nominee Programs, PGWP Changes, and More

Published

1 year ago

June 23, 2024

Ryan

Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #27 - Provincial Nominee Programs, PGWP Changes, and More

00:00 / 7:26

Welcome back to the Canada Immigration News Podcast! This is episode 27, and I’m your host, Ryan. We have a packed episode today with updates on new permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents, economic discussions among Western Premiers, potential changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit policies, and more. Let’s dive in!

Segment 1: Permanent Residence Pathways for Hong Kong Residents

Segment 2: Western Premiers Address Economic Growth and Collaboration

Segment 3: CBSA Employees Protest for Improved Work Conditions

Segment 4: Potential Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Policies

Segment 5: New Invitation Rounds under the BCPNP

Segment 6: Nova Scotia Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot

Segment 7: Alberta Opportunity Stream Faces Technical Difficulties

Segment 8: Atlantic Ministers Concerned About Federal Workforce Funding Cuts

Remember to stay tuned for more news and insights on Canadian immigration. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, feel free to reach out on our social media channels or through our website.

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Date	Province	Invitations
Aug 21	PEI	132 Invitations
Aug 21	Manitoba	77 Invitations
Aug 19	British Columbia	15 Invitations
Aug 15	Alberta	683 Invitations
Aug 7	Manitoba	37 Invitations
Check Out the Full List of PNP Draws➜

Canada Targets French-Speaking Candidates in Express Entry Draw 360

On August 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its third draw of the week, Express Entry Draw 360, focusing on French-speaking candidates. A total of 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481. This strategy underscores Canada’s commitment to building Francophone communities outside Quebec and strengthening bilingual workforces. French speakers gain not only lower CRS cut-offs but also additional points for bilingualism, giving them a significant advantage compared to other categories.

Provincial Nominee Program Candidates Receive ITAs with CRS 800

The week also saw Canada issue invitations to 192 PNP candidates on August 18, 2025. With a CRS cut-off of 800, this draw highlighted the continued importance of provincial nominations in Express Entry. Candidates nominated through provincial programs benefit from an automatic 600-point boost, making their profiles highly competitive. As Canada balances program-specific and category-based draws, PNP candidates remain central to meeting regional labour market demands and filling skill shortages across the provinces.

New 2026 Express Entry Categories Announced

Looking ahead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has revealed that new categories will be added to Express Entry in 2026. In addition to the current six categories, which include healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, education, and French-language proficiency, three more will be introduced: Leadership and Senior Management, Researchers and Scientists, and Highly Skilled Military Recruits. These updates demonstrate Canada’s forward-thinking approach to aligning immigration intake with future economic needs. Skilled professionals in these new categories will have greater opportunities to secure permanent residency through a more targeted selection process.

Alberta Expands Early Childhood Educator Bursary

Immigration and education are closely connected, and Alberta is addressing a critical workforce need by investing $3.3 million into its Early Childhood Educator Bursary program. This initiative provides $10,000 in tuition support for 300 students over the next three years, helping them complete certificate programs and enter licensed child-care centres. Alberta continues to face staffing shortages in early learning, and this bursary aims to remove financial barriers while encouraging more people to pursue careers in child care. For international students and newcomers considering careers in early childhood education, this investment highlights new pathways into meaningful employment in Canada.

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With more than 2 million subscribers, the Canada Immigration News Podcast and newsletter provide the most trusted updates on Express Entry draws, immigration policy changes, and settlement opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Subscribe today and join our growing global community of future Canadians.

Draw	Number Of Invitations	Minimum CRS Points
365 (French)	4500	446
364 (CEC)	1000	534
363 (PNP)	249	772
362 (Healthcare)	2500	470
361 (PNP)	192	800
All Express Entry Draw Results ➜