Manitoba and British Columbia Launch 2025 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws to Attract Skilled Workers

Canada's immigration landscape continues to evolve in 2025, with provinces like Manitoba and British Columbia taking strategic steps to invite skilled talent through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These initiatives are designed to address regional labour shortages, especially in high-demand sectors.

Manitoba's Latest Skilled Worker Overseas Draw – May 1, 2025

Manitoba remains active in conducting regular PNP draws to attract foreign talent. On May 1, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) invited 26 skilled workers through its Skilled Worker Overseas stream.

Key Highlights from the Draw:

• 26 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were issued.

• Only candidates directly invited by the MPNP under a Strategic Recruitment Initiative were eligible.

• A minimum score of 727 was required to qualify.

• 7 candidates had valid Express Entry profiles and job seeker validation codes, increasing their chances for permanent residency (PR).

What is a Strategic Recruitment Initiative?

Strategic Recruitment Initiatives (SRIs) are Manitoba’s proactive efforts to connect local employers with global talent. These initiatives are especially beneficial for employers in rural or northern Manitoba regions, beyond the Winnipeg Metropolitan Area.

Requirements for Candidates:

• Must meet MPNP eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker Overseas stream.

• Should demonstrate connections to Manitoba through family, work, or educational history.

• Must meet benchmarks in language proficiency, education, work experience, and age.

Real-Time Use Case: How This Helps Candidates and Employers

Case Study: IT Analyst from India

Rajiv, a systems analyst from India, was invited under a strategic recruitment initiative after his profile was shared by a Manitoba-based tech company facing local talent shortages. With support from the employer and a valid Express Entry profile, he received an LAA in May 2025. Rajiv now prepares for his PR application and relocation to Brandon, Manitoba — a region prioritized for immigration outside of Winnipeg.

British Columbia PNP Draw – A Focus on High Economic Impact

On May 8, 2025, British Columbia resumed its Skills Immigration Stream by inviting 94 candidates based on their economic contribution potential.

BC PNP Draw Snapshot:

• Candidates invited met either of two criteria:

  • $105/hour minimum wage, employed in a TEER 0 skilled occupation.

  • 150 points minimum on BC’s scoring system.

• This draw reflects B.C.'s cautious nomination strategy, with plans to approve only around 1,100 new applications for 2025 due to federal quota limits.

How BC Selects Candidates:

• Education (field, level, and origin of completion)

• Professional designation in B.C.

• Language proficiency

• Work experience and job offer details

• Commitment to settle in specific regions

• Alignment with B.C.’s strategic labour needs

Real-Time Use Case: Early Childhood Educator in Vancouver

Marta, an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) with a diploma from a Canadian college, received an ITA due to her occupation aligning with B.C.'s strategic focus. Despite cuts to ECE Assistant draws, Marta’s credentials and regional job offer positioned her as a priority candidate. She now prepares to apply for nomination, moving closer to permanent residency.

Major Changes to B.C. Immigration Streams in 2025

B.C. also introduced critical updates to streamline and prioritize high-impact sectors:

Temporary Suspensions and Limitations:

• Paused general and priority occupation draws

• Waitlisted IPG Stream applications (Sept 2024 – Jan 2025)

• Postponed student immigration streams

• Healthcare stream limited to frontline workers and managers

• ECE Assistants excluded from education draws

These changes ensure immigration aligns with the province’s evolving workforce demands.

How Can You Benefit from These Programs?

Whether you're an international professional, graduate, or employer:

• Assess your Express Entry and PNP eligibility

• Target provinces with active draws and strategic initiatives

• Collaborate with employers in sectors facing labour shortages

• Prepare documentation early (language tests, credential assessments, proof of work experience)

Final Thoughts

Canada’s 2025 immigration focus is clearly shifting toward strategic, high-impact economic immigration. Provinces like Manitoba and British Columbia are setting the tone by narrowing their pathways to candidates who can immediately contribute to the regional economy.

If you're planning to immigrate, now is the time to align your profile with provincial demands and take advantage of strategic initiatives before application caps are reached.