Maple News reports that Canadian provinces are beginning to ramp up Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) activities as 2025 progresses. Manitoba and Ontario are among the first to issue nomination invitations this year, signifying a renewed momentum in Canada’s regional immigration efforts.
Manitoba took the lead by conducting its first PNP draws of the year on January 9, followed by a third draw on January 23. These selections were issued under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream, part of Manitoba’s broader Strategic Recruitment Initiative aimed at attracting international talent.
In the January 23 draw, Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 128 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs). The lowest-ranked candidate selected in this round had a score of 609. Notably, 22 of these invitations went to candidates who provided a valid Express Entry profile number and Job Seeker Validation Code, highlighting how provincial streams can align with federal pathways.
Meanwhile, Ontario also made an early move. On January 15, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) invited four candidates under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. This was a highly specialized invitation round through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), aimed at offering skilled refugees and displaced individuals a pathway to permanent residency and career opportunities in Canada.
The EMPP initiative combines economic immigration with Canada’s humanitarian commitments by enabling skilled refugees to contribute to the Canadian job market. Ontario’s targeted draw under this pilot reflects Canada’s growing emphasis on inclusive economic immigration strategies.
While the number of invited candidates in both provinces remains modest so far, these draws set the stage for a broader stream of activity throughout 2025 as provinces continue selecting candidates who meet their labor market needs.
Maple News will continue monitoring and reporting on all upcoming PNP developments across Canada.