Manitoba held a new Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) draw this week, issuing invitations to skilled workers outside Canada. The selection heavily prioritized candidates participating in Strategic Recruitment Initiatives and their comprehensive scores. Despite adjustments to its 2025 nomination quota, the province continues to actively leverage its programs to attract needed talent.

Canada's Yukon Territory has recently announced the allocation details for its 2025 Yukon Nominee Program (YNP). Amid a significant 50% cut in its nomination allocation by the federal government, Yukon will only have 215 spots for permanent residency nominations this year. To address this challenge, the territory has transitioned to a new Expression of Interest (EOI) invitation system, prioritizing applicants already in Yukon who hold temporary support letters. Due to a strong response in the initial EOI intake, the 2025 nomination spots are likely already filled, and employers who have not yet submitted an EOI may need to wait until 2026.

Several Canadian provinces and territories have recently announced results from their latest immigration draws. Alberta issued 158 invitations through its tourism/hospitality and opportunity streams; Prince Edward Island invited 168 skilled workers, focusing on high-demand sectors like healthcare, trades, and manufacturing; and Yukon has commenced issuing invitations for its 2025 nominee intake, prioritizing candidates with temporary support letters. Despite widespread cuts to provincial nomination allocations, these jurisdictions are actively adapting strategies to meet specific local labour market needs.

Manitoba conducted its latest Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) draw for the Skilled Workers Overseas stream last week, on May 15. This draw was highly focused on candidates who have established a strong connection to the province through a Strategic Recruitment Initiative. A total of 62 candidates received Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) for provincial nomination, with the lowest-ranked candidate scoring 626 points. This move further underscores Manitoba's strategic approach to attracting specific skilled talent to address local labour market demands.

Newfoundland and Labrador issued 328 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) on May 8, 2025, in its second round of draws through the new Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This system, implemented on February 19, 2025, manages candidates for both the Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Despite facing an initial halving of its federal nomination allocation, the province successfully secured additional spaces, enhancing opportunities for prospective immigrants.

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted several rounds of invitations between April 29 and May 8. These draws, spanning six distinct immigration pathways, prioritized candidates in key sectors, healthcare, and those addressing rural workforce shortages, issuing a total of 295 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Notably, the province's 2025 nomination allocation has been halved compared to the previous year.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) announced on May 15, 2025, an update to its list of designated employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This revision includes the addition of 20 new businesses and the removal of 14 previously recognized employers, bringing the total number of designated employers in the province to 364. Notably, due to reduced federal immigration allocations for 2025 and a high volume of applications, PEI is currently prioritizing applications from workers in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw in over three months on May 13, issuing 500 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 547, who had created their profiles before May 21, 2024, at 5:26 p.m. (UTC). According to the information provided, 34,440 ITAs have been issued via Express Entry so far in 2025. On the same day, Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed Lena Metlege Diab as the new Minister of Immigration, who is expected to implement policies focused on stabilizing permanent resident levels, increasing Francophone immigration, revamping the Global Talent Stream, and managing temporary resident numbers.

In its latest Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) once again focused on candidates from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A total of 511 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to applicants, with the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score set at 706. This marks the third draw in May 2025 and brings the total number of ITAs issued this year via Express Entry to nearly 34,000, clearly reflecting Canada's sustained preference and strategic focus on specific skills and PNP talent.

For many international students aspiring to work and settle in Canada, obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a crucial first step. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) clearly states that PGWP eligibility hinges on studying at a qualified Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and enrolling in a PGWP-eligible program. Notably, beginning November 1, 2024, graduates at certain study levels will face new language proficiency and field of study restrictions. This report provides a detailed interpretation of IRCC's relevant regulations, guiding international students on how to choose schools and programs correctly to ensure successful PGWP acquisition.