What Canada’s Immigration Cuts Mean for the Provincial Nominee Program in 2025

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program is set to bear the brunt of federal government cuts to the number of new immigrants.

The PNP will more than halve in size in 2025 when compared to previously announced levels, with 55,000 newcomers planned compared to 120,000 in the plan announced in fall last year.

It means provinces, which had come to expect steady rises in the number of immigrants they could nominate for permanent residence, can expect to see a sharp decline in their federal government-set allocations.

Canada’s PNP has previously been lauded for its flexibility to respond to labour market needs in a locally focused way.

BC could invite childcare providers, Ontario doctors and Manitoba truckers all in the same week in a model of the immigration system’s ability to respond to labour market needs.

While this will still happen, provinces must now consider much more carefully where their nominations go. This will not necessarily be a bad thing for the need to focus on labour market needs, but it will mean fewer opportunities for immigration candidates.

Through the PNP, all of Canada’s provinces operate streams linked to Express Entry and streams independent of the federal selection system.

Candidates in the Express Entry Pool receive 600 extra points towards their profile score. This effectively guarantees them an invitation in the next all-program or PNP-focused draw, although the former have been few and far between of late.

The most prolific provinces for draws are Ontario and BC – as you would expect – but also Manitoba, which welcomes the vast majority of its immigrants through the PNP.

The key different between Manitoba and Ontario, for example, is that only a fraction of the latter’s newcomers come through its PNP. Ontario, and Toronto in particular, is the most popular place for federal newcomers to immigrate to, which hundreds of thousands of them do each year.

Ontario welcome 206,815 new immigrants in 2023, of which 10 percent, or 21,435, came through the PNP.

In the likes of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, most of their immigrants come through the PNP, drawn by job offers or because their particular skillset matches the needs of those provinces. Manitoba welcomed 24,920 immigrants in 2023, with 62 percent, or 15,495, of them coming through the PNP.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the cuts last month, in doing so suggesting the provinces needed to be more proactive in providing data and information on labour market needs to the federal government.

While the cuts are likely to lead to increased competition for places through the PNP, candidates should not despair, particularly those already in Canada on work permits.

Here are 10 strategies to boost your chances of immigrating to Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

1. Research Provincial Needs and Target High-Demand Occupations

• Each province has its own PNP streams, often designed to address specific labor market needs. Research which provinces have the highest demand for your occupation. Targeting provinces that actively seek your skillset can increase your chances of selection.

2. Enhance Your Language Proficiency

• Strong English or French language skills can give you a competitive edge. Take language tests like the IELTS (for English) or TEF (for French) and aim to achieve high scores, as many provinces prioritize candidates with strong language abilities.

3. Secure a Job Offer in a Targeted Province

• Some provinces prioritize applicants who already have job offers from employers within their borders. A job offer in your desired province can increase your eligibility, improve your chances of selection, and sometimes lead to faster processing.

4. Gain Canadian Work or Study Experience

• Canadian work or study experience is highly valued by most PNP streams. If you qualify, consider working or studying in Canada temporarily to improve your eligibility. Many provinces prioritize candidates with local experience who can easily integrate into the workforce.

5. Tailor Your Profile to Province-Specific Requirements

• Provinces often have specific criteria in their PNP streams, such as education, experience, and skill requirements. Tailor your application to highlight how you meet a province’s unique requirements and are well-suited to contribute to their labor market.

6. Monitor PNP Draws and Apply Strategically

• Keep an eye on PNP draws to know when each province is holding selections and which profiles they are targeting. If a province aligns well with your profile, consider submitting your application when that province holds a targeted draw for your occupation.

7. Consider Rural or Smaller Communities

• Many provinces have streams focused on attracting immigrants to rural or less populated areas, often due to specific labor shortages. Applying through these rural programs can increase your chances of nomination, especially if you’re open to settling outside of major cities.

8. Build Connections in Your Desired Province

• Some PNP streams give preference to applicants with ties to the province, such as family members or friends already living there. Building a support network in the province you’re targeting can help demonstrate your commitment to settling there.

9. Complete Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) Early

• Ensure your foreign qualifications are recognized in Canada by completing an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Provinces often prioritize candidates with recognized qualifications, as it shows readiness to integrate into the workforce.

10. Consider Multiple PNP Streams and Remain Flexible

• Several provinces may be good fits for your profile, and you may qualify for more than one PNP stream. Keep a flexible approach and consider applying to multiple provinces if they offer relevant programs aligned with your profile.

Canada’s PNP Cuts FAQ