Maple News reports that Manitoba and the Northwest Territories have each made significant moves this month in their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), signaling strong ongoing interest in regional immigration pathways across Canada.
Between February 21 and 28, Manitoba conducted two new draws under its Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The first draw, held under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream, specifically targeted candidates with ties to the province through post-secondary education. To qualify, either the applicant or their spouse must have completed a post-secondary program in Manitoba. A total of 101 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were issued in this round, with the lowest-ranked candidate scoring 844.
Applicants issued an LAA in this stream will need to provide proof of their Manitoba-based education to proceed. Those unable to do so are required to decline the invitation, according to MPNP guidelines.
The second draw occurred under the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream, where seven candidates received LAAs through a Strategic Recruitment Initiative. This pathway targets individuals with specialized skills who are identified through recruitment missions or selection partnerships. The minimum score required for this round was 705.
Overall, Manitoba distributed 108 Letters of Advice to Apply. Notably, 23 of these went to candidates who had active profiles in the federal Express Entry system and a valid job seeker validation code, indicating increased alignment between federal and provincial immigration streams.
Meanwhile, Maple News confirms that the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) has closed its 2025 intake. As of March 6, the territory has reached its application cap for the year. The NTNP plays a crucial role in addressing labor shortages and supporting regional economic development by selecting skilled immigrants for permanent residence.
This closure reflects the NTNP’s growing popularity and suggests a robust demand for immigration pathways into Canada’s northern regions. New applicants interested in the territory will need to wait until the NTNP reopens for intake again, potentially in 2026.
Both provincial announcements underscore the competitive and time-sensitive nature of Canada’s PNPs, which remain one of the key gateways for skilled workers to secure permanent residence and contribute to regional economies.