The year 2025 has marked a significant shift in Canada’s provincial immigration landscape. After a relatively quiet start, two provinces—Manitoba and Ontario—have taken the lead in inviting candidates to apply for provincial nomination programs (PNPs). These initiatives are part of Canada’s broader strategy to address labor shortages, support economic growth, and provide pathways for skilled workers and refugees to settle permanently in the country.
However, the 2025 immigration landscape is not without its challenges. The federal government’s decision to slash PNP allocations by nearly 50% has created hurdles for provinces and territories. Despite this, provinces like Manitoba and Ontario are pushing forward with targeted draws, focusing on skilled workers, refugees, and displaced individuals.
This article delves into the latest updates on provincial immigration programs, the impact of reduced PNP allocations, and how provinces are adapting to these changes.
Manitoba Takes the Lead in 2025 Provincial Immigration
Manitoba has emerged as one of the first provinces to actively invite candidates in 2025. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has already conducted three draws this year, signaling its commitment to attracting skilled workers and addressing labor market needs.
Key Draws in January 2025
- January 9, 2025: Manitoba held its first two draws of the year, targeting candidates under various streams.
- January 23, 2025: The province conducted its third draw, focusing on the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream as part of a Strategic Recruitment Initiative.
In the January 23 draw, Manitoba issued 128 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to candidates with a minimum score of 609. Notably, 22 of these LAAs were issued to candidates who declared a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code. This highlights Manitoba’s efforts to align its provincial nomination program with the federal Express Entry system, creating a seamless pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency.
The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream is designed to attract internationally trained professionals who can contribute to Manitoba’s economy. By targeting candidates with high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, the province ensures that it selects individuals who are well-positioned to succeed in the local labor market.
Ontario’s Targeted Approach to Provincial Immigration
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, has also begun issuing invitations under its Provincial Nominee Program (OINP). On January 15, 2025, the OINP conducted a targeted draw under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. This draw was specifically aimed at candidates participating in the Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP).
What is the Economic Mobility Pathways Project?
The EMPP is a groundbreaking initiative that provides skilled refugees and displaced individuals with a pathway to live and work permanently in Canada. By leveraging their skills and experience, these candidates can contribute to Ontario’s economy while rebuilding their lives in a safe and welcoming environment.
In the January 15 draw, Ontario issued four invitations to candidates under the EMPP. While the number of invitations may seem small, it reflects the province’s commitment to addressing global humanitarian crises while meeting its labor market needs.
Ontario’s targeted approach underscores the importance of aligning immigration programs with broader economic and social goals. By focusing on refugees and displaced individuals, the province is not only addressing labor shortages but also fulfilling its humanitarian obligations.
Reduced PNP Allocations: A Challenge for Provinces
While provinces like Manitoba and Ontario are making strides in their immigration programs, they are also grappling with significant challenges. In October 2024, the federal government released the Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, which included a nearly 50% reduction in PNP allocations.
Impact on Provinces and Territories
The reduced allocations have forced provinces and territories to rethink their immigration strategies. Many have seen their nomination quotas cut by half compared to 2024 levels. For example, the Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program, which was set to reopen on January 16, 2025, has been postponed indefinitely due to the reduced allocation.
Provincial immigration ministers have expressed concerns about the impact of these cuts on their ability to address labor shortages and support economic growth. Some have even called for negotiations with the federal government to secure higher allocations.
Adapting to the New Reality
Despite the challenges, provinces are finding ways to adapt. Manitoba and Ontario, for instance, are focusing on targeted draws that prioritize high-skilled workers, refugees, and other candidates who can make an immediate impact on the local economy. By aligning their programs with federal initiatives like Express Entry and the EMPP, these provinces are maximizing the impact of their reduced nomination quotas.
The Role of Express Entry in Provincial Immigration
Express Entry continues to play a crucial role in Canada’s immigration system, including provincial nomination programs. Many provinces, including Manitoba and Ontario, are leveraging the Express Entry system to identify and nominate high-skilled candidates.
Candidates with a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code are often prioritized in provincial draws. This is because these candidates have already met the federal eligibility criteria and are likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
By aligning their programs with Express Entry, provinces can streamline the immigration process and ensure that candidates are well-prepared to integrate into the Canadian labor market.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2025
As 2025 progresses, we can expect more provinces to launch their immigration programs and issue invitations to candidates. However, the reduced PNP allocations will likely remain a significant challenge. Provinces will need to adopt innovative strategies to maximize the impact of their nomination programs while addressing labor market needs.
Key Trends to Watch
- Increased Focus on Targeted Draws: Provinces will likely continue to prioritize targeted draws that address specific labor market needs and align with federal initiatives.
- Greater Emphasis on Refugees and Displaced Individuals: Programs like the EMPP will play a key role in providing humanitarian pathways to permanent residency.
- Collaboration with the Federal Government: Provincial immigration ministers may push for higher allocations and greater flexibility in their nomination programs.
