Get the latest Canadian immigration news in Episode 17, covering Alberta's Provincial Nominee Program nomination limits and healthcare worker draw, increased funding for early childhood educators in British Columbia, Sudbury's recent Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot invitations, and encouraging trends in newcomer employment rates. Alberta Announces PNP Nomination Limits and Healthcare Worker Invitations For 2024, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has an allocation of 9,750 nomination certificates, the same as last year. On May 1st, Alberta invited 40 candidates under the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway, with a minimum score requirement of 305 points. So far in 2024, the province has invited 499 candidates through the AAIP Express Entry streams. British Columbia Boosts Support for Early Childhood Educators On May 24th, British Columbia announced additional funding to support early childhood educators (ECEs): - $45 million for the ECE Education Support Fund, benefiting new students and credential upgrades - Up to $5,000 per semester for eligible ECE students through the fund - $11 million for new professional learning opportunities and bursary programs The funding aims to address workforce needs and is backed by provincial and federal investments under the Canada-BC childcare agreement. Sudbury's Latest Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Draw The City of Greater Sudbury held a new RNIP round on May 16th, considering: - 19 candidates through the Conventional Stream (min. 100 score) - 15 candidates through the Limited Stream (min. 170 score) All applicants had eligible occupations and wages over $20/hour. Sudbury has invited 450 applicants this year and recommended around 840 individuals since the RNIP's launch. Employment Gap Closing for Newcomers to Canada Encouraging data shows the employment rate gap between newcomers and Canadian-born workers is narrowing: - Between 2010-2022, newcomer employment increased by 12.7% vs. 4.2% for Canadian-born - In December 2021, the smallest gap emerged: 79.6% for newcomers, 85.8% for Canadian-born - Currently, the rates are 76.3% for newcomers and 85.9% for Canadian-born Factors contributing to this positive trend include the two-step immigration process, changes to selection criteria, and a strong labor market. Stay tuned for more news and analysis on immigration programs across Canada!