How Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs Evolved in 2024

Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) saw transformative updates in 2024, as provinces and territories adapted their immigration strategies to address evolving labor market needs. This summary highlights the key changes introduced across various PNPs, providing a province-by-province breakdown for clarity and insight.

Program Updates by Province

Alberta

• Tourism and Hospitality Stream: A new stream was launched in February to meet sector-specific needs. Application targets were reached by June 12.
• Law Enforcement Pathway: Introduced on June 25 as an Express Entry-aligned option, offering 50 nominations in 2024.
• Alberta Opportunity Stream: Temporarily paused from February to June for guideline updates to meet demand.
• Expression of Interest System: Launched on September 30, enabling candidates to submit a "Worker Express of Interest" for ranking based on a points system, similar to Canada’s CRS.

British Columbia

• Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream: Permanently established in June, offering a pathway to permanent residency for business owners.
• New International Graduate Streams: Three streams for graduates with Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degrees to be introduced in January 2025.

Manitoba

• West Central Immigration Initiative Pilot: A three-year pilot announced in November to address labor shortages in rural areas, partnering with seven municipalities and Gambler First Nation.

New Brunswick

• Program Allocations Met: Both the Express Entry and Skilled Worker Streams reached their 2024 allocations early, leading to pauses in issuing invitations.
• Temporary Suspensions: Several pathways, including the Atlantic Immigration Program and Private Career College Graduate Pilot, were paused as quotas were met.

Nova Scotia

• Food and Accommodation Sector Pause: Applications from workers in this sector were temporarily halted due to high demand.

Northwest Territories

• Exceeded Nomination Cap: The NTNP reached its 300-nomination cap by July, highlighting growing interest in the region. Applications for the Business Stream remain open.

Ontario

• Expanded Eligibility: The Employer Job Offer: International Stream began accepting graduates of any one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program.
• In-Demand Skills Stream: Eligibility expanded to include 35 new NOC codes.
• Internal Review Process: Requests must now be submitted via the OINP e-portal.
• Entrepreneur Stream Closure: Formally closed in November following a pause since late 2023.
• Fraud Prevention Legislation: Plans announced to combat fraudulent immigration representatives starting in 2025.

Saskatchewan

• New Streams Introduced: Two pathways launched under SINP: the Agriculture Talent Stream and the Health Talent Stream.

Yukon

• Intake-Based Application Process: Announced for the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP), starting January 2025. Applications will be capped during each intake period.

Federal Policy Shift: Immigration Levels Plan

The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan introduced in October signals a notable shift, reducing PNP admission targets by 50%. Allocations for 2025 are capped at 55,000, a significant drop from the 110,000 set for 2024. This reduction emphasizes increased competition within PNP streams, making provincial nominations a more challenging pathway to permanent residency.

Conclusion
As provinces continue to refine their PNPs, applicants must adapt to evolving criteria and heightened competitiveness. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for navigating Canada’s immigration pathways effectively.