Maple News reports that Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) saw dynamic progress throughout 2024, marked by new streams, pilot programs, and strategic shifts aimed at addressing evolving labour market demands across the country. The PNPs empower provinces and territories to nominate skilled immigrants who can contribute to local economies — and 2024 showed a bold new approach in many jurisdictions.
Alberta was especially active, launching two new pathways under its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). In February, the province introduced a Tourism and Hospitality stream, initially well-received and quickly reaching its intake cap by mid-June. A new Law Enforcement Pathway followed in late June, offering 50 nomination spots to eligible professionals in the field. Additionally, Alberta introduced a points-based Expression of Interest (EOI) system for all AAIP worker streams as of September 30, replacing the previous first-come, first-served format and aligning more with the federal Express Entry model. The province also temporarily paused its popular Alberta Opportunity Stream from February to June to recalibrate for increased demand.
British Columbia cemented its commitment to economic regional development by making the Entrepreneur Regional Pilot Program permanent. Furthermore, the province teased three new international graduate PNP streams scheduled for release in January 2025, targeting recent post-secondary graduates eager to stay and work in B.C.
In Manitoba, the West Central Immigration Initiative pilot was launched, offering a new pathway to attract skilled workers to underrepresented regions. Meanwhile, New Brunswick saw intense interest early in the year as several of its PNP streams, including Express Entry and Skilled Worker pathways, reached their quotas well ahead of schedule — highlighting sustained demand for immigration to the province.
The Northwest Territories exceeded its 2024 nomination cap of 300 candidates by July, illustrating rising interest in Canada’s northern regions. Similarly, Nova Scotia imposed a temporary pause on accepting applications from food and accommodation workers under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), likely to manage intake volumes and maintain program integrity.
Ontario implemented notable updates across several of its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) streams. The Employer Job Offer: International Student stream expanded eligibility to include graduates of one-year certificate programs, while the In-Demand Skills stream widened its list of eligible occupations. Ontario also introduced a new online portal process for candidates requesting internal reviews, streamlining applicant communications.
Saskatchewan introduced two sector-specific streams: the Agriculture Talent Stream and the Health Talent Stream — reflecting targeted recruitment in critical fields. Lastly, Yukon announced it will transition to an intake-based model for its Yukon Nominee Program beginning January 2025, aiming to better manage processing and attract suitable candidates year-round.
Overall, 2024 was a pivotal year for PNPs across Canada, showcasing each province’s unique strategies to address talent shortages, foster innovation, and refine immigration management. As the federal and provincial governments continue adapting to economic realities, aspiring immigrants can expect increasingly specialized pathways tailored to local and regional needs.