Upcoming Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws in Canada: What to Expect from PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Alberta in 2025

Canadian provinces continue to play a vital role in shaping immigration through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). For skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and tradespeople, these draws are one of the most effective pathways to Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada.

In this blog, we’ll explore the Prince Edward Island (PEI) PNP schedule, recent Newfoundland and Labrador draws, and Alberta’s growing opportunities under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). We’ll also look at how these programs affect real applicants in high-demand industries.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) PNP – Scheduled Draws for 2025

Unlike most other provinces, Prince Edward Island publishes a schedule for its Expression of Interest (EOI) draws, giving candidates a clear idea of when to expect invitations.

Upcoming PEI PNP Draw Dates:

• September 18, 2025

• October 16, 2025

• November 20, 2025

• December 18, 2025

While these are anticipated dates, PEI notes that they are not guaranteed. Still, the province has followed its schedule so far in 2025.

Who Gets Priority?

Due to a reduced federal allocation, PEI only received 1,025 nomination spaces for 2025. Out of this, 792 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have already been issued. The province is currently prioritizing:

• Healthcare professionals (e.g., nurses, physicians, personal support workers)

• Skilled trades (e.g., electricians, welders, mechanics)

• Manufacturing workers

 Sales and service workers are less likely to be invited this year.

Real-time scenario: A registered nurse working in Charlottetown who submitted an EOI in June still stands a strong chance of receiving an ITA in one of the final four draws of the year, given the province’s urgent demand in healthcare.

Newfoundland and Labrador – PNP & AIP Invitations

Newfoundland and Labrador has been actively inviting newcomers through both the NL Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

Latest Results (September 12, 2025):

• NLPNP: 218 invitations

• AIP: 135 invitations

• Total: 353 invitations

So far in 2025, the province has issued:

• 2,018 invitations through the NLPNP

• 586 invitations through the AIP

This represents the largest number of AIP-specific invitations in a single month this year.

Focus Sectors

The province is prioritizing:

• Healthcare

• Information & Communications Technology (ICT)

• Aquaculture

Real-time scenario: A software developer in India with a job offer from a St. John’s IT company could apply under NLPNP’s EOI system and expect priority processing. Similarly, a fish plant technician from the Philippines with a job offer through AIP can directly apply for PR while starting work on a special two-year work permit.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) – Strong Growth in 2025

Alberta has been one of the most active provinces in issuing invitations this year. The province ran seven draws in September alone, issuing 1,376 ITAs.

Example of September Draws:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream: 891 ITAs (Cut-off: 56 points)

• Healthcare Pathway: 193 ITAs (Cut-off: as low as 44 points)

• Construction & Agriculture: 192 ITAs combined

Increased Allocation

Alberta’s allocation for 2025 was recently increased to 6,403 nominations, recovering from earlier cuts. This means more opportunities for foreign workers across sectors.

Real-time scenario: An aviation mechanic with an Alberta job offer may qualify under the Express Entry – Priority Sectors stream, while a caregiver working in Calgary could benefit from the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway.

What This Means for Applicants

1. Healthcare workers – Doctors, nurses, and caregivers continue to be in high demand across all provinces.

2. Trades & manufacturing – Welders, electricians, and factory workers are top priorities for PEI and Alberta.

3. Tech professionals – Newfoundland and Labrador’s ICT sector is booming, offering strong PR opportunities.

4. Job offers are critical – Especially in programs like AIP and Alberta’s priority sector pathways, where a provincial employer must endorse your application.

Final Thoughts

With Canada’s reduced PNP allocation in 2025, provinces are being more selective. Instead of general draws, they are targeting candidates who align with regional labour market needs.

If you are a skilled professional in healthcare, trades, manufacturing, or ICT, now is the time to explore PNP pathways in PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Alberta. Submitting a strong Expression of Interest (EOI) and securing a valid job offer could significantly increase your chances of receiving a provincial nomination and eventually Permanent Residence in Canada.