2024: A Year of Major Changes in Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

In 2024, Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) underwent significant updates across provinces and territories. These changes aim to address evolving labor market needs, create new pathways for immigrants, and improve program efficiency.

PNPs allow provincial and territorial governments to select immigrants based on their ability to meet local labor market demands. Here's a comprehensive review of the changes in PNPs throughout 2024.

Key Updates by Province

Alberta

• New Streams Introduced:
• Tourism and Hospitality Stream launched in February and reached its application target by June 12.
• Law Enforcement Pathway was introduced on June 25, allocating 50 nominations for candidates in law enforcement.
• Pause on Alberta Opportunity Stream: Applications were paused between February and June to implement new guidelines.
• Expression of Interest (EOI) System: Introduced in September for all worker streams, ranking candidates using an EOI points grid similar to the CRS system.
  
  

British Columbia (B.C.)

• Entrepreneur Regional Pilot Program: Made permanent in June, now renamed the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream.
• New International Graduate Streams: B.C. announced three new streams for graduates of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programs, set to launch in January 2025.
  
  

Manitoba

• West Central Immigration Initiative Pilot: Launched on November 15 to address labor shortages in seven rural municipalities and Gambler First Nation.
  
  

New Brunswick

• Program Suspensions: Due to high demand, the province paused issuing invitations for the following pathways in August:
• Express Entry Stream
• Skilled Worker Stream
• Atlantic Immigration Program and others.
  
  

Northwest Territories

• Exceeded Nomination Cap: By July 22, the Northwest Territory Nominee Program (NTNP) reached its cap of 300 nominations, highlighting increased interest in Canada’s north.
  
  

Nova Scotia

• Pause for Food and Accommodation Sector Applications: High demand led to a temporary suspension for workers in this sector under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).
  
  

Ontario

• Expanded Eligibility:
• The Employer Job Offer: International Stream now includes graduates from any one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program.
• The In-Demand Skills Stream added 35 new National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes.
  
  
• Internal Review Process: As of August, all review requests must be submitted through the OINP e-filing portal.
• Program Closure: The Entrepreneur Immigration Stream was officially closed in November.
  
  

Saskatchewan

• New Pathways Announced:
• Agriculture Talent Stream
• Health Talent Stream
  
  

Yukon

• Intake-Based Application System: Starting January 2025, the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) will accept a fixed number of applications during set intake periods.
  
  

A Shift in Immigration Policy: Reduced PNP Targets

The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan announced a significant reduction in PNP admission targets. For 2025, the federal government set the allocation at 55,000, a sharp drop from 110,000 in 2024 and the previously planned 120,000 for 2025. This shift highlights the growing competitiveness of PNP pathways for permanent residency.

What These Changes Mean for Immigrants

The updates in PNPs reflect Canada’s focus on aligning immigration pathways with provincial labor market needs. However, the reduction in admission targets means that PNPs are becoming increasingly competitive.

Tips for Prospective Applicants:

1. Stay Updated: Monitor changes in PNPs and eligibility criteria.
2. Prepare Early: Strengthen your profile by meeting job offer, education, and language requirements.
3. Seek Expert Guidance: Consult immigration professionals to identify the best pathway for your situation.