Updates about Provincial Nominee Program in Canada - February 2025

Let's talk about provincial programs?

Based on the immigration targets for 2025, provincial nominee programs (PNPs) have seen a 50% reduction in immigration quotas, decreasing from 110,000 to 55,000 new immigrants expected through this pathway. However, PNPs remain an interesting alternative for seeking permanent residency!

Here are some updates from recent weeks:

Alberta (AAIP)

Alberta started 2025 at a rapid pace, conducting 8 rounds of invitations in February. These rounds prioritized candidates with job offers in the healthcare and technology sectors, as well as those with connections to the province. In general, this is a crucial point for most provincial programs: candidates who already reside in and have a connection with the province.

Newfoundland and Labrador (NLPNP)

The province has revamped its selection process, now using a points-based system in the Express Entry Skilled Worker stream. Candidates will now be scored based on factors such as age, work experience, and connections to the province, making the process somewhat more competitive. Factors like professional experience, job offers, and ties to the province will carry more weight in practice.

Saskatchewan (SINP – Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program)

Saskatchewan has announced a temporary suspension of Job Offer Letter validation, impacting streams that require a job offer in the province. This means that currently, candidates needing a job offer to qualify should wait for updates before applying. However, candidates without a job offer can still qualify through other categories like Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand.

Northwest Territories Nominee Program

Applications for the program are open from February 27 to March 6, 2025, with 90 new applications being accepted at this time. Slots will be distributed across different categories, prioritizing workers with work permits expiring in 2025. Additionally, selection will give priority to those whose visas are nearing expiration.

What does this mean for you? Despite recent changes, provincial immigration remains one of the strongest and safest paths to immigrate to Canada. Planning ahead and understanding the new rules are essential for the success of your application, did you know that?

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