Provinces Extend Invitations in Latest Immigration Draws

Manitoba and Newfoundland & Labrador have recently conducted their latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, extending invitations to skilled workers and immigration candidates. These draws underscore the provinces' ongoing efforts to address labor market needs and support population growth, even as Canada adjusts its overall immigration policies.

Newfoundland & Labrador's Latest Invitation Round

Newfoundland and Labrador issued a significant number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its May 29, 2025, draw, marking its third round of invitations for the year. This draw utilized the province's Expression of Interest (EOI) system, which was implemented in February 2025.

• Total Invitations: 405

• Breakdown:Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP): 351 ITAsAtlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 54 ITAs

This round surpassed previous invitation counts for 2025, bringing the total ITAs issued by Newfoundland and Labrador to 838 through its PNP and 151 through its AIP for the year. The province's total provincial nomination allocation for 2025 is 2,525, following a successful negotiation for additional economic immigration slots.

Manitoba's Targeted Skilled Worker Draw

Manitoba also conducted a targeted draw on June 12, 2025, under its Skilled Worker Overseas stream. This draw focused on candidates directly invited through strategic recruitment initiatives.

• Total Invitations: 36 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs)

• Lowest Ranking Score: 613

• Express Entry Profiles: 5 invitations were extended to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles and job seeker validation codes, indicating eligibility for expedited federal processing.

This targeted approach highlights Manitoba's commitment to selecting skilled workers who can directly contribute to the province's labor market needs.

Shifting Immigration Landscape in Canada

Recent changes in Canadian immigration policy, driven by housing shortages and infrastructure demands, have led to adjustments in immigration targets. The federal government has reduced overall immigration targets for 2025-2027, and many provinces have seen their PNP nomination allocations halved in 2025.

• Revised Federal Targets (2025-2027):2025: 395,000 immigrants2026: 380,000 immigrants2027: 365,000 immigrants

These shifts mean a greater emphasis on federal programs like Express Entry, which now accounts for a larger share of economic immigration. For skilled workers already in Canada, this could present new opportunities, particularly through the Canadian Experience Class. However, employers face challenges with tighter work permit policies and reduced pathways to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers.

Despite these broader policy changes, both Manitoba and Newfoundland & Labrador continue to actively use their Provincial Nominee Programs to attract and retain skilled individuals vital for their economic growth and demographic needs.

Sources

• Newfoundland and Labrador Issues 405 Immigration Invitations in May 2025 Draw, Immigration.ca.

• Immigration trends in Canada: Can Manitoba employers still rely on foreign workers? | Insights, MLT Aikins.

• Manitoba Issues 36 Invitations in Latest Skilled Worker Overseas PNP Draw, Immigration.ca.

• Newfoundland and Labrador invites provincial immigration candidates in third round of invitations, CIC News.

• How Provincial Nominee Program closures can benefit skilled workers in Canada, CIC News.