In the midst of budget cuts, Manitoba and Ontario issue provincial immigration invites for 2025. Learn about federal problems, sketch highlights, and important PNP updates.

A Positive Beginning: Ontario and Manitoba Set the Standard

Canada’s immigration scene is buzzing as 2025 gets underway, with two provinces—Ontario and Manitoba—starting to send out invitations for provincial nomination. Below is a summary of the most recent changes:

Updates on the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

In 2025, Manitoba held two drawings on January 9 and another on January 23, making it the first jurisdiction to do so.

Highlights of the Draw on January 23:

• Stream: Skilled Laborer Abroad (Strategic Hiring Program).
• Invitations Sent: 128 LAAs, or letters of advice to apply.
• Minimum Points: 609.
• Candidates for Express Entry: Applicants that had a valid job seeker validation code and Express Entry profile number were granted 22 LAAs.

Updates on the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

In a targeted draw for the Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP), Ontario sent out four invites on January 15 under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream.

For talented refugees and internally displaced people who want to live and work in Canada, the EMPP makes permanent residence possible.

2025 Challenges: Decreased Allocations

The late 2024 announcement of the Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027 had a major effect on Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Key Details:

• Decreased Allocations: In comparison to 2024 levels, PNP allocations have been reduced by 50%.
• Federal Objectives: Provinces and territories have modified their nomination plans in response to the lower landings aim.
• Ministerial Issues: To boost funding, several provincial immigration ministers are attempting to negotiate with the federal government.

The Northwest Territories has already delayed the reopening of its Provincial Nominee Program, which was originally planned for January 16.