Maple News reports that the provinces of Manitoba and Alberta have begun the new year with strategic immigration updates under their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), offering fresh opportunities for skilled workers looking to settle in Canada.
On January 9, Manitoba held its first immigration draw of 2024 through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The province invited a total of 197 candidates under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas streams.
A total of 145 invitations, known as Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs), were issued through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream. The minimum eligibility score for this draw was 838. To qualify, applicants—or their spouses—were required to have completed post-secondary studies in Manitoba, indicating the province’s focus on retaining locally educated talent.
An additional 52 candidates were invited under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream through a special region-specific selection targeting the Winkler region. Candidates in this stream needed a minimum score of 615 to be considered. Of the total invitations issued, 52 went to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles and job seeker validation codes, highlighting Manitoba’s alignment with federal immigration priorities.
Meanwhile, Alberta updated its final draw data from 2024. According to Maple News, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) held a draw on December 23 through the Alberta Opportunity Stream. A significant number of invitations were issued to candidates who met the province’s key labor and residency criteria, though specific figures were not detailed in the latest update.
This early-year activity suggests that both provinces remain committed to addressing labor shortages and supporting local economic growth by attracting skilled immigrants aligned with regional needs.
Applicants interested in being considered for these and future provincial draws are encouraged to maintain active Express Entry profiles and stay informed about targeted stream requirements.
Maple News continues to monitor Canada’s evolving immigration landscape and will provide timely updates on PNP trends across provinces.