British Columbia Prioritizes Skilled Immigration Workers in First 2025 PNP Draw

British Columbia conducts its first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of 2025 through the Skilled Immigration Workers Program on 8th May, 2025. This signals the province’s swift approach towards its annual cap for skilled worker nominations. Prior to 8th May 2025, British Columbia conducted draws only through the Entrepreneur Streams.

What were the Selection Criteria for the 8th May BC PNP Draw?

The 8th May drew targeted candidates who had the potential to make a high economic impact in the province. This is also one of the reasons they sent Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to applicants through the Skilled Worker Program for the first time in 2025. Invitations were sent to two distinct groups:

• 47 candidates earning a minimum wage of $105 per hour working full-time, TEER 0 or 1 occupations.
• 47 candidates with a minimum score of 150 points on the BC PNP’s scoring system.

 A total of 94 applications were selected based on the above factors, and invitations were distributed accordingly.

Why Skilled Worker Stream For the First Time in 2025?

British Columbia conducted the 8th May draw through the Skilled Worker Stream as an adjustment to a 50% reduction in federal immigration allocations. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced in 2024 a cut in admission allocations to Canada’s PNP by 50%, lowering the total PNP admissions from 110,000 in 2024 to 55,000 in 2025, with a further decrease to 55,000 projected for 2026.

The federal government’s control over immigration levels means provinces must adhere to these reduced allocations. This has led to the BC PNP to announce that it would nominate about 100 candidates through an high-impact skills immigration pathway.

What Does It Mean for Future Draws & Immigration Strategies?

The 8th May draw confirmed that British Columbia will prioritize candidates who can significantly contribute to the province’s economy in 2025. Besides the ability to make a high economic impact, the future BC PNP draws may be based on the following factors.

• Education- Level, Field and Where Did You Complete It?
• Language skills
• Occupation
• Professional role in British Columbia
• Work Experience- Duration and skill level involved
• Job offer- Wage and/or skill level
• A clear intention to settle, work or live in BC’s specific region

BC PNP plans to accept approximately 1100 new applications for 2025 nominations. Once the province reaches its skilled worker allocation cap through this draw, the rest of the draws will focus on two major groups:

• Entrepreneurs
• Front-line healthcare coworkers and managers

Implications of reduced nomination capacity on future immigration strategies

The substantial cut in federal nominations has prompted British Columbia to adjust its immigration strategies, such as:

• General and priority occupation draws are paused for the remainder of 2025.
• Applications to the International Post-Graduate (IPG) Stream received between September 2024 and January 2025 have been placed on a waitlist.
• The launch of three new student immigration streams has been postponed until nomination limits are restored.
• The Health Authority Stream is now limited to front-line healthcare roles and healthcare managers only.

These measures aim to ensure that the limited nominations are allocated to candidates who can contribute significantly to the province's economy.

How Can You Prepare for These BC PNP Immigration Changes?

With the province nearing its skilled worker nomination cap, prospective applicants should be aware of the increased competition and limited opportunities. Keep the following points in mind to boost your admission chances in 2025.

• Ensure all application documents are accurate and complete.
• Submit applications promptly to avoid missing potential draws.
• Focus on occupations that align with British Columbia's economic needs.
• Consider improving qualifications, such as education and language proficiency, to increase competitiveness.

As British Columbia navigates these constraints, the province continues to seek skilled individuals who can contribute meaningfully to its economic landscape. The process may seem a tad challenging and time-consuming, especially if you have a time crunch. In that case, you can consult with professional immigration agents/consultants who are trained in guiding qualified candidates through complex immigration processes. From assessing your eligibility for the right program to handling challenges that may arise during the process, they take care of everything. Immigration firms like Onkar Immigration improve your chances of a successful outcome by reducing stress and saving time.

Specific Apprentices in Construction Can Study Without a Study Permit in Canada 2025

IRCC Minister Marc Miller recently revealed the government’s intention to address housing shortages and strengthen the construction sector in Canada. They will introduce new measures to attract and retain skilled immigrants from various parts of the world in the construction sector. The government also introduced a temporary public policy as a part of those measures. The policy would allow certain apprentices in construction trades to study without a study permit. It is valid for two years from 26th February 2025.

Who Can Apply for This Temporary Public Policy?

The policy applies to certain exceptions only. 

Here are eligibility criteria you must meet while requesting your exemption and applying to the policy.

• You should have a legit work permit.
• There must be a proper job offer addressed to you in an eligible construction sector.
• An apprenticeship agreement that is registered with the appropriate provincial or territorial authority.

If you want to make the most of it as a skilled immigrant worker in the construction industry, staying updated with the latest norms is mandatory. Most people consult professional immigration consultants who guide them through the entire process.

Which Construction Occupations are Eligible?

Steps to Prove Your Eligibility for This Public Policy

You need to submit a request for exemption to apply for this public policy. Check out the steps below to determine if you are eligible to study without a study permit as a construction apprentice in Canada.

Create electronic copies of documents

Use a scanner or camera to keep all the electronic copies ready.

Keep the documents ready

Here are the documents that prove your eligibility:

• A valid work permit
• A job in an eligible construction occupation
• Proof of apprenticeship agreements registered by authorities

It can be challenging to keep all documents ready, especially if you have a busy schedule. You can seek help from immigration experts in that case.

Submit a request form

To apply for the study permit exemption, follow these instructions:

1. Open the web form.
    
   • Choose the options "Update or ask about your application" > "Add a document to your application."
2. Provide Personal and Application Details
    
   • When prompted "Who are you?", select the option that best describes your situation.
   • Enter your personal details, including an active email address for communication.
   • Under "What is your application number?", input your valid work permit number as proof of your eligibility.
3. Select the Appropriate Options from the Drop-Down Menus
    
   • What did you apply for? → Choose "Temporary Residence."
   • What application did you submit? → Select "Work Permit."
   • What’s your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number? → Enter the 8- or 10-digit UCI number found on your work permit (omit hyphens).
4. Explain Your Request
    
   • Under "Tell us about your request", answer "Yes, you asked me to add document(s)" when asked if you were instructed to provide additional documents.
   • In the explanation box, mention “Apprenticeship 25-27” to ensure your request is correctly identified as part of the study permit exemption.
   • List the documents you are attaching in the "Upload your document(s)" section.
5. Upload Required Documents
    
   • Proof of employment in an eligible construction occupation.
   • A copy of your apprenticeship agreement registered with the relevant provincial or territorial apprenticeship and certification authority.
6. Review and Submit
    
   • Double-check the provided information by selecting "Review your request."
   • If everything is accurate, click "Submit your request."

What Happens After You Submit the Application?

Let’s understand what happens after you apply to be allowed to study without a study permit as a construction apprentice.

If your application is approved

You will receive an authorization letter which allows you to continue studying without a study permit. It also specifies the date until which you can study. It can be the date when your work permit expires or the date when this temporary policy expires.

How to prove that you are authorized under this policy?

You need to show your authorization letter to the school where you want to study. The letter is proof that you can study without a study permit.

You can change some conditions of your employment contract, but only after discussing with your employer. The Canadian Government is not responsible for your adherence to the contract.

If your request is rejected

IRCC may refuse your request if you don’t fulfill the eligibility criteria. The authorities will let you know in writing.

Final Thoughts,

2025 is a good time for workers in the construction sector to immigrate to Canada and pursue better career opportunities. The temporary public policy allows specific apprentices to study in Canada without a study permit until a specific period.

Canada To Take New Measures to Address Housing Shortage in 2025

The Canadian Government is to take new measures to meet the growing demands for housing. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of IRCC, announced that they would introduce new initiatives to address the nation’s housing shortages and strengthen the construction industry. Let’s understand how these changes would impact skilled immigrants in Canada 2025.

What to Expect From The New Measures?

Canada focuses on introducing measures that could support the construction industry in Canada. The measures are a part of the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan and include the following.

Tripartite Advisory Council

IRCC will develop a Tripartite Advisory Council comprising federal officials, industry leaders and union representatives. This council will assess labour needs in the construction sector. They will also be responsible for attracting and retaining skilled workers in this field.

Regularization Pathway for Undocumented Workers

The government plans to create a pathway for undocumented migrants in the construction sector. If the workers are already contributing to the sector, this measure will allow them to obtain legal status so they can continue working under proper protections.

Support for Foreign Apprentices

Foreign apprentices in the construction sector will get an opportunity to complete their studies without a study permit. This measure enables apprentices to acquire essential skills and contribute to infrastructure projects.

Are You A Skilled Immigrant in the Canadian Construction Industry?

Immigrants play a crucial role in the construction industry of Canada. The nation needs a strong skilled trades and construction workforce to meet the rising housing demands. Thus, the new measures intend to strengthen job opportunities in the construction sector while supporting a stable economic development. If you need guidance or real-time updates regarding the implementation of these measures, keep in touch with licensed immigration agents such as Onkar Immigration. They are professionals with years of expertise and experience in immigration.

Top 3 Updates to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) in 2025

The AAIP is a provincial nominee program for Alberta to nominate eligible immigrant workers to fill job shortages or entrepreneurs to start a business here. The program, however, goes through frequent changes due to the dynamic economic and labour market needs of this province. So this blog discusses the latest 2025 updates to AAIP. Whether you are a prospective immigrant or an existing AAIP applicant, take a look at the following updates to make informed decisions about your application.

Updating your existing Express Entry profile

You can update your Express Entry profile if you have submitted your application on or after 30th September 2024. You can also update it if your profile is about to expire before the authorities make their decision. The AAIP may request you to submit a completely new profile that meets the current requirements of the program.

Non-participation in the federal government’s public policy

The federal government has introduced a “Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates”. It allows specific candidates who are nominated by a province or territory through a PNP to get their work permit while awaiting a decision on their PR application.

Alberta has chosen not to participate in this federal temporary public policy for 2025. The Alberta government has made this decision due to 2 reasons:

• Resource constraints
• The province’s focus is on prioritizing its economic needs within its allocated nomination spaces

This decision has significant implications for prospective immigrants considering the AAIP.

No Invitations under Family Connection and Occupation in Demand Pathway

The AAIP will not issue invitations under the Family Connection and Occupation in Demand pathway. Candidates, however, can still claim points if they have a qualifying family connection in Canada, whether it’s a parent, sibling or child. The connection should be over 18 and either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

While you cannot extend any new invitations, family ties can open immigration pathways for you as per the Expression of Interest (EOI) system. If you have a strong family connection in Alberta, you will have higher chances of receiving an invitation through other streams.

AAIP application updates

The Alberta Advantage immigration Program will no longer accept or respond to application update requests sent by email. So, if you want to update your application, you need to use the tab “Update Employment Information” in the AAIP portal. This is applicable for applicants in the following streams:

• Alberta Express Entry Stream
• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Rural Renewal Stream
• Tourism and Hospitality Stream

You should save the responses you will receive in a PDF or Word format. Upload the same, along with the essential documents on the ‘Update Employment Information’ option in the AAIP portal.

Do You Need Help With AAIP Immigration Pathways?

Alberta has exciting opportunities for skilled workers and passionate entrepreneurs. With several streams, such as the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Entrepreneur Stream or Alberta Express Entry Stream, this province offers trusted pathways for qualified individuals to immigrate here.

It is important to stay completely informed about the recent changes to the AAIP, be it eligibility criteria updates or changes in application processes. Consulting with an authorized immigration consultant like Onkar Immigration can help you navigate the complex application process efficiently. The professionals can provide you with personalized advice based on your unique situation so you can achieve your dreams and protect yourself from fraud.

Canada Reveals No More Bonus CRS Points for Arranged Employment

There will be no more bonus CRS points for having a valid job offer effective from 25th March 2025. This change affects not only the CRS scores of Express Entry candidates who initially had been rewarded bonus points but also potential candidates for permanent residency through the Express Entry system. However, candidates who have already received their invitations to apply or have their PR applications in process are not affected.

How Does This Change Impact Express Candidates?

Previously, Express Entry candidates would receive 50 or 200 extra CRS (Comprehensive Ranking Score) points for having a valid job offer. This bonus helped increase their chances of getting an ITA for PR in Canada.

Things are going to change significantly as IRCC has decided to remove this reward. 

For example, candidates with a valid job offer will have their CRS scores reduced by the number of points they were rewarded with prior to the change. With reduced CRS scores, their chances of getting an ITA are also most likely to reduce under the Express Entry system.

On the contrary, candidates with no valid job offer are more likely to have the upper hand when it comes to ITAs. that’s because their CRS points will stay the same, unaffected by this change.

What about arranged employment for physicians?

Prior to this change, physicians were awarded extra CRS points if their job offer was less than a year old. Effective 25th March 2025, physicians with a valid offer, irrespective of its validity period, will not receive bonus CRS points.

Why Was It Important to Remove CRS Points for Arranged Employment?

The Canadian Government removed the CRS points from Express Entry to combat fraud and streamline the immigration systems. Marc Miller, former immigration minister, had announced their intention to take down the CRS points on 17th December 2024. However, the specific date was not mentioned or discussed.

IRCC has taken several measures to strengthen the integrity of the Canadian immigration system. For example, they increased the scrutiny of visitor visa applications from specific countries or reformed the international student Program. This removal of CRS scores from Express Entry is also one of their mneasures to proptect the integrity of immigration system.

What is the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) All About?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system that the Canadian government uses to assess the eligibility of candidates and rank them in the Express Entry pool.

Express Entry is a highly competitive online immigration system that manages thousands of applications from skilled workers. The CRS scores make it easier for authorities to select the most qualified candidates who can contribute to Canada’s economic growth. Candidates with the highest scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada.

Every profile gets ranked based on several factors, such as:

• Age
• Education level 
• Language proficiency (English and/or French) 
• Canadian work experience

Other factors that influence CRS points:

• A sibling in Canada as a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
• French language skills
• Post-secondary education in Canada
• A provincial or territorial nomination

The government conducts draws frequently and sends ITAs to eligible candidates with the highest CRS points.

The bottom line is that the better your CRS points are, the higher your chances of getting the PR in Canada. Now, the problem is that CRS is a dynamic system with frequent changes and updates to scoring and eligibility criteria. This is where the role of licensed immigration consultants comes into play. They provide guidance about the process, adhering to the latest norms and maximizing your chances of success. So you can seek their help and save time.