Latest Immigration Updates: Manitoba & Alberta PNP
Latest Immigration Updates: Manitoba & Alberta PNP Draws
Canada continues to refine its immigration policies to address labor shortages and economic needs. Recently, Manitoba and Alberta issued new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), creating new opportunities for skilled workers seeking permanent residency (PR) in Canada.
Manitoba PNP Draws: February 28 – March 7
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducted multiple draws across its skilled worker streams:
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Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream: Invited 98 candidates with a minimum score of 861.
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Skilled Worker Overseas Stream: Invited 13 candidates, with the lowest-ranked candidate scoring 724.
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Express Entry Candidates: 27 out of 111 ITAs were issued to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles.
Alberta PNP Draws: February 7 – March 7
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) held several draws across different streams, targeting priority sectors such as agriculture, technology, construction, healthcare, and law enforcement.
| Draw Date | Worker Stream | Invitations Issued | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 7 | Alberta Express Entry (Agriculture) | 20 | 64 |
| February 12 | Accelerated Tech Pathway | 63 | 67 |
| February 14 | Alberta Opportunity Stream (Construction) | 88 | 61 |
| February 18 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry) | 32 | 47 |
| February 19 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Non-Express Entry) | 9 | 51 |
| February 27 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry) | 22 | 45 |
| February 28 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Non-Express Entry) | 9 | 49 |
| March 5 | Law Enforcement Pathway | 4 | 48 |
These draws reflect Alberta's efforts to attract professionals in critical sectors, strengthening its workforce and addressing skill shortages.
New Permanent Residency Pathway for Construction Workers
In a major development, Canada has introduced a new pathway for construction workers to gain permanent residency. This initiative aims to fill labor gaps in the construction industry by:
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Reserving PR slots for 6,000 undocumented construction workers.
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Allowing qualified temporary foreign workers to enroll in apprenticeship programs without requiring a study permit.
Why is Canada Prioritizing Construction Workers?
Canada faces a severe labor shortage in the construction industry, which directly affects housing affordability and infrastructure development. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) estimates that the country needs to build 6 million homes by 2030 to stabilize the housing market. Given this demand, skilled tradespeople are crucial for meeting construction goals.
Real-World Impact of These Changes
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For Employers: Construction firms can now hire more foreign workers without bureaucratic delays, ensuring projects are completed on time.
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For Workers: Foreign laborers, including undocumented workers, have a new opportunity to secure PR and establish long-term careers in Canada.
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For the Economy: Addressing construction labor shortages will drive economic growth and improve housing affordability.
Express Entry Updates: Focus on Skilled Trades
On February 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant updates to the Express Entry system:
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New Priority Category: Skilled trade occupations are now a priority for ITAs.
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19 New Occupations Added, including:
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Construction Managers
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Bricklayers
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Roofers and Shinglers
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Floor Covering Installers
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Painters and Decorators
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What This Means for Immigration Applicants
Scenario 1: A Skilled Worker Applying Through Manitoba PNP
A construction worker with experience in roofing can now apply for PR through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream. If they have an Express Entry profile, they stand a higher chance of receiving an ITA under the new priority category.
Scenario 2: A Tech Professional Applying Through Alberta PNP
An AI developer looking to immigrate to Canada can apply through Alberta’s Accelerated Tech Pathway, which has one of the lowest minimum scores (67) for invitations. This makes Alberta an attractive destination for tech professionals.
Future of Immigration in Canada: 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan
To balance immigration with housing concerns, Canada’s new 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan prioritizes in-Canada workers and aims to land 82,890 immigrants through an "In-Canada Focus" category.
This means candidates already working in Canada will have a higher chance of obtaining PR, reducing the influx of new arrivals while still meeting labor market demands.
Conclusion
With evolving immigration policies, skilled professionals have more opportunities to secure PR through PNP programs and new pathways. If you're in construction, tech, healthcare, or law enforcement, now is the time to explore your options.
Stay updated on the latest immigration news to maximize your chances of immigrating to Canada!