Latest Updates on Canadian Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in 2025

Canada’s immigration landscape is undergoing significant changes in 2025, particularly within the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Provinces such as Ontario, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Saskatchewan have implemented new policies and adjustments affecting prospective immigrants. If you are planning to apply for Canadian permanent residency (PR) through a PNP, it is crucial to stay updated on these changes. In this blog, we will explore the recent PNP modifications, their implications, and alternative options for applicants.

Saskatchewan Suspends Job-Offer-Based PNP Pathways

As of February 18, 2025, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has temporarily halted new applications for Job Approval Forms (JAFs). This means that employers can no longer submit JAFs to obtain a Job Approval Letter (JAL), which is a prerequisite for hiring foreign workers under various PNP streams. The government has attributed this pause to the federal government’s decision to reduce SINP nomination allocations by 50% in 2025. The suspension is expected to last for several weeks, but no official resumption date has been announced.

PNP Streams Affected by This Change:

This suspension impacts several job-offer-based streams under SINP, including:

• International Skilled Worker Category (Employment Offer, Agriculture Talent Pathway, Tech Talent Pathway, Health Talent Pathway)

• Saskatchewan Work Experience Category (Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit, Students, Health Talent Pathway, Tech Talent Pathway, Agriculture Talent Pathway)

Alternative Immigration Pathways to Saskatchewan

If you still wish to immigrate to Saskatchewan, you can consider the following options:

✅ International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand – This stream allows candidates with relevant work experience in high-demand occupations to apply without a job offer.

✅ Express Entry – Candidates with a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR through Federal Express Entry-linked SINP streams.

✅ Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) – Saskatchewan has one designated community, Moose Jaw, participating in this program for skilled workers with employer-backed job offers.

Ontario PNP: Limited ITAs and Ongoing EOI Acceptance

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has seen a drastic reduction in issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in 2025. In the first quarter of 2025, only 4 ITAs were issued under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, compared to 14,760 ITAs during the same period in 2024. This slowdown aligns with the federal government’s PNP allocation cuts.

However, despite fewer ITAs, Ontario is still accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for multiple streams, including:

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker

• Employer Job Offer: International Student

• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills

• Master's Graduate & PhD Graduate

• Express Entry-aligned OINP streams (Human Capital Priorities, French-Speaking Skilled Worker, Skilled Trades)

???? Real-World Impact: A software engineer in India looking to immigrate through Ontario's Express Entry-aligned Human Capital Priorities stream must now focus on improving their CRS score and French language skills to increase their chances of receiving an NOI (Notification of Interest) from Ontario.

Manitoba & Prince Edward Island Continue PNP Draws

While some provinces are slowing down immigration intakes, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island (PEI) have continued issuing invitations to eligible candidates.

Manitoba PNP Draw (February 20, 2025):

• 19 invitations under the International Education Stream (for master's degree holders with a Manitoba-based supporter).

• 22 invitations under the Skilled Workers Overseas stream (minimum CRS score: 711).

Prince Edward Island PNP Draw (February 20, 2025):

• 87 ITAs issued under the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams.

• Preference given to candidates with at least one year of work experience in PEI and graduates from local institutions such as UPEI and Holland College.

Real-World Impact: A foreign graduate from PEI’s Holland College working in the hospitality sector may have a stronger chance of receiving an ITA due to PEI’s focus on retaining international student talent.

Newfoundland & Labrador Transitions to an Expression of Interest (EOI) System

As of February 19, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador has implemented a major policy shift, moving away from direct applications to an Expression of Interest (EOI) model for both its Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

How Does This Change the Application Process?

1️⃣ Candidates must now submit an EOI detailing their occupation, education, language skills, and intention to live in the province.

2️⃣ The province will select candidates based on economic and labor market priorities.

3️⃣ Those selected will receive an invitation to apply for provincial nomination or AIP endorsement.

Real-World Impact: A nurse from the Philippines planning to apply for the NLPNP Skilled Worker Category must now wait for an EOI selection rather than applying directly. This change increases uncertainty in processing times but ensures that candidates align with provincial workforce demands.

Conclusion: Adapting to the Changing Immigration Landscape

The changes in Canada’s PNP programs reflect the federal government’s shifting immigration priorities, emphasizing regional labor needs, economic stability, and a balanced intake of new immigrants. While some provinces like Saskatchewan have paused certain streams, others like Manitoba and PEI continue issuing ITAs, providing alternative pathways for candidates.

Key Takeaways:

• If your target province has paused a specific stream, consider alternative pathways like Express Entry or regional immigration programs.

• Improve your CRS score by boosting your language proficiency, work experience, or educational qualifications.

• Monitor provincial immigration draws closely and submit EOIs as soon as possible to increase selection chances.

Stay Updated: Given the dynamic nature of immigration policies, it is essential to regularly check updates from provincial immigration websites or consult a licensed immigration consultant to navigate these changes effectively.

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies and programs are subject to change, and applicants should consult official government sources or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for personalized guidance.