Provincial Immigration Invitations Begin in 2025: Manitoba and Ontario Lead the Way

The new year has kicked off with notable updates in provincial immigration across Canada. After a quiet start, Manitoba and Ontario have invited candidates to apply for provincial nominations in 2025. Here's a breakdown of the latest updates from these provinces.

Manitoba: First Draws of 2025

Manitoba was the first province to hold draws this year, organizing two on January 9 and a third on January 23. The latest draw targeted candidates in the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream under a Strategic Recruitment Initiative.

• Invitations issued: 128 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs)
• Minimum score: 609
• Express Entry candidates: 22 out of the total LAAs were issued to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles and job seeker validation codes.

If you are considering applying for provincial programs, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for enhanced PNP streams.

Ontario: Supporting Economic Mobility

Ontario's Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) also commenced issuing invitations. On January 15, 2025, Ontario invited four candidates under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, specifically for the Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP).

The EMPP is a federal initiative designed to help skilled refugees and displaced individuals settle and work in Canada permanently. This highlights Ontario's commitment to supporting economic integration and addressing labour shortages.

Challenges for Provincial Nominee Programs in 2025

Despite these early invitations, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) face challenges this year due to reduced allocations announced in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. The federal government has decreased PNP admissions by nearly 50%, affecting several provinces and territories.

As a result:

• Manitoba, Ontario, and other regions are operating under tighter nomination limits.
• Immigration ministers in some provinces are advocating for higher quotas to meet labour market demands.

The Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program (NWT PNP), originally set to reopen on January 16, has also been delayed due to these reduced allocations.

Looking Ahead

With PNP allocations now limited, candidates should stay informed and explore all pathways to maximize their chances of immigration success. Whether through Express Entry-linked streams or targeted initiatives like EMPP, understanding program-specific requirements is key.

Stay tuned for more updates as provinces continue their immigration draws throughout 2025!