Alberta and Manitoba Expand Opportunities for Skilled Immigration – April 2025 Updates

Canada continues to strengthen its immigration efforts by issuing more invitations through provincial streams. In April 2025, Alberta and Manitoba took major steps to fill labor shortages across sectors by issuing new rounds of invitations under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

This blog highlights:

• Alberta's latest AAIP draws by pathway and occupation

• Manitoba’s Skilled Worker Overseas selections

• Strategic recruitment initiatives

• Real-world examples showing how these pathways benefit immigrants and employers

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) – April 2025 Draw Highlights

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) recently held multiple invitation rounds targeting key industries experiencing labor shortages. Between April 11 and 22, a total of 165 invitations were issued through four specialized streams.

 AAIP Draw Summary (April 11 – 22, 2025)

Key Takeaways:

• Tourism and Hospitality: This was the first selection round of 2025 in this stream.

• Tech and Law Enforcement: Only the second draw so far this year for these priority sectors.

• General Occupations: The April 11 draw was the first general draw of 2025, broadening beyond aviation and construction.

Current AAIP Stream Availability (As of April 2025)

AAIP keeps the public informed with real-time updates on the number of nomination spaces, EOIs in the pool, and applications under review:

Understanding Alberta’s Enhanced vs. Base Streams

Alberta uses both Base PNP streams and Express Entry-aligned (Enhanced) streams:

• Base Streams: Applicants apply directly to Alberta and later submit for permanent residence (PR) through IRCC.

• Enhanced Streams: Candidates receive 600 additional CRS points upon nomination, significantly boosting their chance to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR through Express Entry.

Real-Life Use Case: Tech Professionals in Alberta

Scenario: A software engineer working remotely for a Canadian startup applies through the Accelerated Tech Pathway. With a CRS score of 420, they are invited by Alberta and awarded 600 additional points.

Outcome: Their new CRS becomes 1020, making them highly competitive in the next Express Entry draw. Within months, they receive PR and relocate to Calgary to work onsite.

Manitoba’s Skilled Worker Overseas Stream – Targeted Invitations

Manitoba also held a PNP draw on April 17, inviting candidates through its Skilled Worker Overseas stream.

Manitoba Draw Details (April 17, 2025)

• Invitations Issued (LAAs): 27

• Minimum Score Required: 621

• Express Entry Profiles: 3 candidates had valid Express Entry profiles and job seeker codes

• Target Group: International candidates invited via strategic recruitment initiatives

Strategic Recruitment Initiatives in Manitoba – How It Works

These initiatives allow Manitoba employers to hire foreign nationals for roles they cannot fill locally.

✔️ Eligibility for Strategic Recruitment:

• Aged 21–45

• 2+ years of relevant full-time experience in the past 5 years

• Post-secondary education or relevant training

• Valid job offer from a Manitoba employer

• Adequate language proficiency (CLB 4 to 5 depending on job type)

• Score 60+ points on Manitoba’s PNP assessment grid

• Intention to settle outside Winnipeg

Note: Candidates with ties to other provinces may be viewed as a retention risk and denied nomination.

Real-Life Use Case: Hospitality Worker in Brandon, MB

Scenario: A chef from the Philippines with 3 years of experience is hired by a hotel in Brandon under a strategic recruitment initiative. They meet all the criteria and receive an LAA.

Outcome: With provincial nomination, they apply for PR, bring their family, and help the local tourism industry thrive during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts: Why These PNP Draws Matter

Alberta and Manitoba are examples of how provinces tailor immigration to match local labor demands and economic needs. With real-time EOI management and targeted pathways, Canada offers immigrants viable options beyond Express Entry.