Manitoba and Alberta Issue Invitations for Provincial Nomination: A Recap of Recent PNP Draws

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) continue to play a significant role in helping provinces address labor market needs and attract skilled workers. To kick off the year, Manitoba and Alberta have issued invitations to apply for provincial nomination. Here’s a breakdown of the latest draws and what they mean for prospective immigrants.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Draw – January 9, 2025

Manitoba conducted its first PNP draw of the year under two key streams:

1. Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
• Invitations Issued: 145 candidates
• Lowest Ranking Score: 838
• Eligibility: Candidates (or their spouses) must have completed post-secondary education in Manitoba.
2. Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
• Region-Specific Selection: Winkler area
• Invitations Issued: 52 candidates
• Lowest Ranking Score: 615

In total, 197 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were issued. Of these, 52 candidates had declared a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code, increasing their chances of being invited.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Draw – December 23, 2024

Alberta concluded 2024 with a large draw through the Alberta Opportunity Stream, inviting candidates who met specific criteria aimed at addressing the province’s labor market needs.

• Invitations Issued: 588 candidates
• Lowest Ranking Score: 55

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for this draw, applicants needed:

• A valid eligible work permit (excluding Post-Graduation Work Permits) expiring on or after December 31, 2025.
• At least a high school education equivalent to Canadian standards.
• Language Proficiency: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 4 or higher.
• Work Experience: Minimum of 12 months in Alberta.
• Job Offer: A full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation, excluding certain NOC categories:
  
  
• NOC 1: Business, finance, and administration occupations.
• NOC 6: Sales and service occupations.

What This Means for Immigration Candidates

Both Manitoba and Alberta’s draws highlight the opportunities available through Canada’s PNPs for skilled workers, especially those with ties to specific provinces. Whether through education, work experience, or job offers, these programs offer pathways to permanent residency for eligible candidates.

Aspiring immigrants are encouraged to keep their profiles up to date, ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, and take advantage of programs like Express Entry to enhance their chances of receiving a provincial nomination.