Alberta Conducts First PNP Selection of 2025; New Brunswick Updates Immigration Processing

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has successfully conducted its first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) selection of 2025. This milestone event invited skilled candidates based on their professional expertise, work experience, and connections to Alberta.

Meanwhile, New Brunswick has issued a significant update on its Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) application processing, following the reopening of its immigration pathways.

Alberta's PNP Selection Results (February 3 – 6, 2025)

Alberta has retrospectively released details of three selection rounds conducted between February 3 and February 6, 2025. These draws focused on two key pathways:

• Rural Renewal Stream

• Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry and Non-Express Entry)

Here’s a breakdown of the selection process:

What This Means for Potential Applicants

• Rural Renewal Stream: Ideal for skilled workers willing to settle in Alberta’s rural communities, which face labor shortages in various sectors.

• Dedicated Health Care Pathway: Aims to attract healthcare professionals, particularly for Alberta’s growing medical sector. Those meeting the Alberta Express Entry Stream criteria qualify for the enhanced Express Entry route, while others can apply via the non-Express Entry pathway.

New Brunswick’s Immigration Updates

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has shared important updates regarding its application processing and upcoming selection rounds.

Key Updates:

• Scheduled Draws from March 2025: NBPNP will start issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in March.

• EOI Portal Performance Issues: Due to increased traffic, the Expression of Interest (EOI) portal has experienced technical difficulties, which the IT team is actively resolving.

• Updated Eligibility Requirements: New occupation classifications (NOC codes) are in effect. Applicants must ensure their credentials align with these changes before submitting an EOI.

• EOI Validity: Submitted EOIs will remain valid for up to 365 days from the date of submission.

Why These Updates Matter

For applicants looking to settle in New Brunswick, staying informed about processing timelines and eligibility changes is crucial. The province emphasizes that its Skilled Worker Stream does not follow a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring fair consideration for all eligible candidates.

Real-World Applications: How These PNP Updates Impact Immigrants

Case Study 1: Healthcare Professionals

A nurse from India with experience in emergency care applies through Alberta’s Dedicated Health Care Pathway. Since they meet Alberta’s healthcare labor demands but do not qualify for Express Entry, they successfully immigrate through the non-Express Entry stream, securing a job in a rural Alberta hospital.

Case Study 2: Skilled Workers in Rural Alberta

A software engineer from the Philippines with ties to Alberta (family members residing in the province) applies under the Rural Renewal Stream. With a job offer from a Calgary-based tech company, they receive an invitation in the February 3 draw and move to Alberta within months.

Case Study 3: IT Professionals in New Brunswick

A cybersecurity expert from Nigeria submits an Expression of Interest (EOI) to New Brunswick’s Skilled Worker Stream in February 2025. They experience processing delays due to portal issues but remain patient. By April, they receive an ITA and successfully secure a nomination, later obtaining permanent residency.

Final Thoughts

The recent updates from Alberta and New Brunswick highlight Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled immigrants. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, IT expert, or skilled worker, these provincial programs offer multiple pathways to Canadian permanent residency.

For the latest information on eligibility and application procedures, visit the official websites of AAIP and NBPNP.

Declaration

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Applicants should refer to official provincial immigration websites for the most up-to-date information.