Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Northwest Territories Issue Fresh Invitations for Canadian Permanent Residence

Canada continues to open new doors for skilled professionals, international students, and in-demand workers. Several provinces and territories recently held major immigration draws under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), offering pathways to permanent residence (PR) through streams like Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), and the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP).

Let’s break down these exciting opportunities and see how they can benefit you.

Alberta Issues Invitations Under the Law Enforcement Pathway

Alberta has once again spotlighted law enforcement professionals through its dedicated pathway under the Alberta Express Entry stream. In the draw held between August 13 and 20, 2025:

• Fewer than 10 invitations were issued.

• Minimum CRS score: 45 — one of the lowest cut-offs in 2025.

• This marks the fifth draw under the Law Enforcement Pathway this year.

About the Law Enforcement Pathway

Launched in June 2024, this pathway aims to tackle crime and meet recruitment needs by helping local police services attract skilled talent. Eligible candidates must:

• Have a job offer from an employer who is a member of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police.

• Meet all Express Entry requirements.

• Work in occupations like:

  • Commissioned and non-commissioned police officers

  • Police investigators and related investigative roles

  • Other specialized law enforcement positions

Current stats: Out of 20 nominations allocated for 2025, Alberta has issued 11 so far, with 9 more yet to be issued. Over 120 candidates are currently in the pool.

Example: An international candidate working as a police investigator in another country could leverage this pathway to secure a PR nomination in Alberta, especially with the low CRS score requirement.

Ontario Conducts Two Rounds of Major PNP Draws

Ontario has been very active in early September, holding multiple draws under the Employer Job Offer streams of the OINP.

September 2 Draw Highlights

• Total invitations: 2,643

• Streams targeted:

  • Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker (1,305 invites, min score 41)

  • Employer Job Offer: International Student (1,105 invites, min score 58)

  • Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills (233 invites, min score 33)

• Targeted healthcare roles (doctors, nurses, midwives, physician assistants) and early childhood educators.

September 3 Draw Highlights

• Total invitations: 1,893

• Streams targeted:

  • Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker (1,134 invites, min score 42)

  • Employer Job Offer: International Student (759 invites, min score 63)

• Covered 77 priority occupations including HR managers, engineers, architects, IT managers, pharmacists, psychologists, construction managers, and more.

Example: A registered nurse (NOC 31301) already working in Ontario on a work permit could receive an invitation under the Foreign Worker stream, apply for a provincial nomination, and then apply for PR through Express Entry.

Note: OINP now uses an employer-led portal system. Employers must submit job offers before candidates can register an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Quebec Targets Regulated Professions for Permanent Selection

Quebec has taken a focused approach with its first-ever draw for the Regulated Professions stream under the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ).

• Date: August 14, 2025

• Invitations issued: 275

• Minimum score: 766

• Key requirements:

  • Must be living in Quebec

  • Must plan to work in a regulated profession in FEER category 0, 1, or 2

  • Advanced French (Level 7 speaking/listening, Level 5 reading/writing)

  • Proof of authorization or recognition of equivalence from Quebec’s regulatory authority

Example: A mechanical engineer with recognized equivalence of credentials can secure a provincial selection certificate through this stream, paving the way to permanent residence in Quebec.

Northwest Territories Receives Additional PNP Allocations

The Northwest Territories received 47 additional nomination spaces for 2025, raising its total to 197 under the NTNP.

• These slots will go to eligible applicants from the 2025 intake who were not initially selected.

• Applications will be assessed by work permit expiry date.

• Eligible candidates will be notified via email and placed in the NTNP assessment queue.

The NTNP has three main streams:

• Employer-Driven Stream (Entry Level/Semi-Skilled, Skilled Worker, NWT Express Entry)

• Francophone Stream

• Business Stream

Example: A skilled worker in the hospitality sector whose work permit is about to expire could now secure a nomination under the Employer-Driven Stream, thanks to these newly added spaces.

Why These Updates Matter

These draws and allocations across Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories highlight Canada’s ongoing efforts to meet labour shortages and attract talent in crucial sectors like healthcare, education, engineering, law enforcement, and skilled trades.

They also provide fresh opportunities for international students, temporary foreign workers, and skilled professionals already in Canada to transition to permanent residence.

Final Thoughts: Your Pathway to Canada Awaits

If you’re an aspiring immigrant looking to build your future in Canada, these updates show that now is an excellent time to take action. Whether you’re a nurse in Ontario, an engineer in Quebec, a law enforcement officer eyeing Alberta, or a skilled worker in the Northwest Territories, there are tailored pathways ready for you.

✨ Don’t wait for opportunities—create them. Stay proactive, explore these PNP streams, and move one step closer to your Canadian dream.