Provincial Nominee Program Updates: Alberta and New Brunswick Kick Off 2025

In early 2025, two provinces—Alberta and New Brunswick—announced fresh developments in their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), signaling new opportunities for skilled workers and those in the healthcare field.

Alberta’s First Draws of 2025
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) hosted its initial PNP draws of the year, inviting candidates through the Rural Renewal Stream and the Dedicated Health Care Pathway. These draws, held from February 3 to 6, were based on candidates’ skills, work experience, and ties to the province.

• Rural Renewal Stream (February 3, 2025): 190 invitations issued to candidates with a minimum score of 68.
• Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry (February 5, 2025): 70 invitations issued with a cut-off score of 52.
• Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Non-Express Entry (February 6, 2025): 48 invitations issued with a cut-off score of 50.

The AAIP clarified that the Dedicated Health Care Pathway offers two streams: one aligned with Express Entry and another non-Express Entry pathway for those meeting all eligibility criteria but not qualifying for Alberta’s Express Entry stream.

New Brunswick’s Processing and ITA Updates
New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) shared key updates following the reopening of its immigration streams. The province plans to begin issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in scheduled draws starting March 2025. In the meantime, it is reviewing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted through its Immigration New Brunswick (INB) portal.

Due to high traffic, the INB portal has faced performance issues, prompting the province’s IT team to work on resolving these technical difficulties. New Brunswick also emphasized that its Skilled Worker Stream applications are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are advised to review updated eligibility criteria, including National Occupational Classification (NOC) code restrictions, before submitting their EOIs. Once submitted, EOIs remain valid for up to 365 days.

What This Means for Prospective Immigrants
These announcements highlight two key themes:

1. More Pathways in Alberta:
• Opportunities for healthcare professionals via specialized pathways.
• A focus on supporting rural communities through targeted streams.
2. Transparency and Updates in New Brunswick:
• Clear timelines for upcoming draws.
• An emphasis on proper preparation and adherence to updated program criteria.

For skilled workers considering a move to Canada, these developments underscore the importance of staying informed about eligibility changes and upcoming draw dates. Whether you’re eyeing Alberta’s healthcare pathways or New Brunswick’s Skilled Worker Stream, understanding these updates can help you better plan your application strategy.