Canada’s Provinces Kickstart 2025 Immigration: How Provinces Are Adapting in 2025

A Promising Start: Manitoba and Ontario Lead the Way

The year 2025 has started with a buzz in Canada’s immigration landscape as two provinces—Manitoba and Ontario—begin issuing invitations for provincial nomination. Here's a breakdown of the latest updates:

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Updates

Manitoba became the first province in 2025 to hold draws, conducting two draws on January 9 and another on January 23.

Highlights from the January 23 Draw:

• Stream: Skilled Worker Overseas (Strategic Recruitment Initiative).
• Invitations Issued: 128 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs).
• Minimum Score: 609.
• Express Entry Candidates: 22 LAAs were issued to applicants with a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Updates

On January 15, Ontario issued 4 invitations under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream in a targeted draw for the Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP).

The EMPP facilitates permanent residence for skilled refugees and displaced individuals who aim to live and work in Canada.

Challenges in 2025: Reduced Allocations

The Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027, unveiled in late 2024, has significantly impacted Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Key Details:

• Reduced Allocations: PNP allocations have been cut by 50% compared to 2024 levels.
• Federal Targets: The reduced landings target has prompted provinces and territories to adjust their nomination plans.
• Ministerial Concerns: Some provincial immigration ministers are seeking negotiations with the federal government to increase allocations.

The impact is already evident, with the Northwest Territories postponing the reopening of its Provincial Nominee Program, initially scheduled for January 16.