As 2025 begins, Canada is welcoming foreign skilled workers to settle in through its Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Recently, Manitoba and Alberta held draws that opened doors for many candidates eager to start a new chapter in Canada.
The article will delve into the details of recently held draws, the opportunities are available for prospective immigrants and the requirements they must fulfil to qualify.
Manitoba PNP Draw
Manitoba conducted its first PNP draw of the year, issuing 197 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) across two streams: Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream and Skilled Worker Overseas Stream.
Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
- Letters of Advice to Apply Issued: 145
- Lowest CRS Score: 838
- Eligibility: Candidates or their spouses must have completed post-secondary education in Manitoba.
Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
- Letters of Advice to Apply Invitations Issued: 52
- Lowest CRS Score: 615
- Priority for candidates from the Winkler area.
Among the candidates invited, 52 had valid Express Entry profiles, enhancing their chances for permanent residency through additional points in the Express Entry system.
About Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Manitoba was the first province in Canada to introduce a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 1998. The program aimed at attracting skilled immigrants to support the province’s economic growth. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has been instrumental in increasing the province’s population and supporting its labour force.
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program is a key immigration pathway designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to the province.
The MPNP offers five main immigration streams:
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream: This stream is for temporary foreign workers and international graduates with a permanent job offer from a Manitoba employer.
- Skilled Worker Overseas Stream: For skilled workers outside Canada who have a strong connection to Manitoba.
- Manitoba Business Investor Stream: For individuals looking to begin or invest in a business in Manitoba.
- International Education Stream: This is for international students who have completed post-secondary education at institutions in Manitoba and want to settle permanently there.
- Morden Community Driven Initiative: Specifically for tradespeople like welders and plumbers who wish to settle in Morden.
Who can Apply for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program?
You may qualify for MPNP:
- If you have relevant work experience and can demonstrate a strong connection to Manitoba or
- If you are working in Manitoba temporarily and have a permanent job offer from your employer. or
- If you are looking to establish or invest in a business in Manitoba. or
- If you graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Manitoba and wish to settle permanently.
Additional Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including
- Scoring at least 60 points on the MPNP Points Assessment Grid that evaluates factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Demonstrating a connection to Manitoba, which can be strengthened by having friends or relatives living in the province.
- Showing the intention and ability to economically establish in Manitoba.
Hence, the MPNP provides various pathways for skilled individuals and their families to immigrate to Manitoba, contributing to the province’s growth and diversity.
Results of Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Draw
On December 23, 2024, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted a draw and issued 588 invitations to candidates who met specific eligibility criteria. The lowest-ranked candidate invited had a score of 55. The draw invited candidates who fall under the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
Understanding Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is a provincial initiative to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs to Alberta. Through this program, prospective immigrants can receive an Alberta Provincial Nomination Certificate, which allows them to apply for Canadian PR.
What is the eligibility to qualify for the Alberta Opportunity Stream?
If you wish to settle in Alberta, you must meet the following criteria for the Alberta Opportunity Stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
- Valid Job Offer: A full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation (excluding specific NOC categories).
- Education: At least a high school education equivalent to Canadian standards.
- Work Experience: At least 12 months of full-time work experience in Alberta within the last 18 months.
- Language Proficiency: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 4 or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level of 4 or higher.
- Work Permit: A valid eligible work permit (excluding PGWPs) that expires on December 31, 2025, or later.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) provides a pathway to permanent residency for foreign workers currently employed in Alberta and international graduates from approved Alberta post-secondary institutions. A part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), it aims to attract individuals whose skills meet the province’s labour market needs.
International students can apply if they have completed their studies in Alberta and are working on a PGWP.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate at least six months of relevant work experience in Alberta, meet language proficiency requirements, and adhere to income standards. However, those who studied in other Canadian provinces are not eligible under this stream unless they hold a different type of work permit.
If you want to immigrate to Canada through the PNP or another skilled worker pathway, please contact us for complete guidance and tailored assistance. Our experienced team supports creating EE profiles, choosing PNP programs, and providing additional services. We are here with you at every step of the immigration journey.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for specific concerns. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information presented, and it should not be viewed as a comprehensive analysis. Opinions expressed may change over time. ImmiLaw Immigration Law Professional Corporation does not endorse any third-party advice or services mentioned.
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