Provinces are Announcing Higher Allocations for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
In March 2023, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met in Nova Scotia to discuss the future of immigration in Canada. The meeting, which was attended by federal authorities and immigration ministers representing Canada’s provinces and territories, covered several key topics including: increasing allocations in the Provincial/Territorial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and providing greater agency over PNPs.
Following the meeting, provinces have begun to announce their new PNP allocations. On March 13, Saskatchewan’s Minister announced their annual allocation would rise to 7,250 in 2023. In addition, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) made public that it will be able to issue 9,750 nominations this 2023. Yukon also reported that they have been allocated 430 PNP spots for 2023, up from 300 last year. And lately, Ontario and New Brunswick join to the list of provinces that are announcing higher allocations for their provincial nominee programs. Let’s explore these targets.
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About PNP Allocations
Every year the federal government, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), allocates a certain number of nominations to each province/territory (except Quebec). However, with the provinces’ economies growing and hundreds of thousands of job vacancies to fill, the provinces and territories need more skilled workers.
Alberta
Alberta’s government recently announced that the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) will be able to issue 9,750 nominations in 2023. It is a significant increase from the 6,500 nominations allowed in 2022. Moreover, the program expects to receive 10,140 nominations in 2024 and 10,849 nominations in 2025.
According to the province, these newcomers bring valuable skills to Alberta and play a key role in its economy. “Not only do newcomers bring new skills, ideas and vision to Alberta’s workforce, they also help us create jobs, diversify the economy and strengthen the workforce in all sectors of the economy,” said the province.
Manitoba
On March 9, Manitoba announced that the province will receive 3,175 additional nomination spaces from 2022. This means that for 2023, Manitoba’s allocation will be 9,500 nominations. The number represents a 50% year-over-year increase.
Provincial nominees remain vital to Manitoba’s labour market, economy and growth prospects. In fact, Manitoba continues to receive the majority of its immigrants through the MPNP, the minister noted.
Manitoba – News Release
Saskatchewan
On March 13, Saskatchewan’s Minister announced the annual allocation would rise to 7,250 nominations in 2023. It is the largest allocation in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) history. Moreover, the province’s notional allocation for 2024 is 8,000 nominees, and 8,500 for 2025.
Immigration plays a vital role in supporting Saskatchewan’s growing economy and labour demands. The province currently has more than 15,600 job vacancies posted on SaskJobs and National Job Bank. In addition, the province estimates that there will be a total of 135,800 job openings over the next five years.
Yukon
On March 16, IRCC informed the Government of Yukon that they would be increasing the territory’s allocations for the Provincial Nominee Program. The move raised the Yukon’s nominee allocations for the year from 300 to 430, making more foreign workers eligible for the Yukon Nominee Program. The program enables employers to fill essential positions with foreign nationals, thus enhancing the territory’s workforce.
In a news release, the Yukon government expressed its dedication to supporting businesses throughout the region in meeting their labour demands.
“Economic immigration is an essential tool for attracting workers and developing a labour force that supports investment and economic growth, while meeting the needs of Yukon businesses.”
Yukon – News Release
Ontario
On March 22, 2023, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) received 16,500 allocations for this year. This represents an increase of almost 70% in the provincial nomination quota.
Ontario’s quota increased to 16,500 as compared to only 9,750 in 2022 and 9,000 in 2021. Also, with nearly 300,000 jobs going unfilled daily, the province is doubling the number of economic immigrants it selects in 2025 to over 18,000. According to the Ontario government, this will help to solve the province’s critical labour shortage.
“From 9,000 immigration spots in 2021 to over 18,000 in 2025, today’s announcement is a significant win for the people of Ontario and will help us control our economic destiny by selecting more of the skilled immigrants we know are well-placed to succeed and build stronger communities for all of us.”
Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
New Brunswick
On April 3, 2023, New Brunswick received a significant boost in immigration allocations from the federal government. Specifically, there has been a 67% increase for 2023, resulting in a total allocation of 5,500 allocations. This increase includes additional spaces for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program and marks a positive step towards increased economic growth and development in the region.
The announcement was made in partnership with Opportunities NB, and furthermore, comes alongside the renewal of the Canada-New Brunswick Immigration Agreement. With more increases in allocations expected in the coming years, this news signals an exciting opportunity for those looking to make New Brunswick their home.
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