Last Updated on March 12, 2025
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) continue to drive regional immigration, with Alberta conducting its first selection rounds of 2025 and New Brunswick providing critical updates on its application processing. These developments reflect ongoing efforts to streamline and enhance provincial immigration pathways for skilled workers and professionals.
Alberta’s First PNP Draws of 2025
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has released details of its initial PNP draws for 2025. These draws, conducted between February 3 and February 6, invited candidates based on their professional expertise, experience, and established connections to Alberta.
Breakdown of Alberta’s PNP Draws
The AAIP held three selection rounds across different streams, targeting rural workforce needs and healthcare professionals. Here’s an overview of the invitation rounds:
| Date | Stream | Cut-off Score | Invitations Issued |
| February 3, 2025 | Rural Renewal Stream | 68 | 190 |
| February 5, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry) | 52 | 70 |
| February 6, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Non-Express Entry) | 50 | 48 |
Understanding Alberta’s Healthcare Pathway
Alberta’s Dedicated Health Care Pathway operates through both Express Entry-aligned and non-Express Entry intake streams. While the Express Entry intake prioritizes candidates meeting federal immigration criteria, the non-Express Entry stream provides an alternative for healthcare professionals who may not qualify under Alberta’s Express Entry stream but fulfill all other program requirements. These draws reinforce Alberta’s commitment to addressing regional labor shortages, particularly in rural communities and the healthcare sector.
New Brunswick’s Immigration Processing Updates
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has provided crucial updates regarding its application processing timeline following the recent reopening of its immigration streams.
Scheduled ITA Issuance from March 2025
The province has announced that Invitations to Apply (ITAs) will be issued to eligible candidates starting in March 2025. The NBPNP is currently assessing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted through its portal.
Technical Challenges with the INB Portal
New Brunswick has acknowledged experiencing performance issues on the Immigration New Brunswick (INB) portal due to an exceptionally high volume of traffic. The province’s IT team is actively working to resolve these technical difficulties to ensure a smoother application process for candidates.
Clarification on Skilled Worker Stream Processing
The NBPNP has emphasized that submissions for its Skilled Worker Stream are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, applicants should carefully review the updated eligibility criteria, including National Occupation Classification (NOC) code restrictions, before submitting their EOIs. Additionally, the province has clarified that EOIs remain valid for up to 365 days from the date of submission, allowing applicants ample time to stay in the selection pool.
Key Takeaways
- Alberta conducted its first three PNP draws of 2025, focusing on rural and healthcare-related immigration pathways.
- The AAIP’s Dedicated Health Care Pathway has both Express Entry-aligned and non-Express Entry options for candidates.
- New Brunswick will begin issuing ITAs from March 2025 and is actively working to resolve technical issues on its immigration portal.
- The NBPNP has clarified that Skilled Worker Stream applications are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis, urging applicants to review updated eligibility requirements.
Both provinces remain committed to strengthening their respective immigration programs, ensuring streamlined and efficient pathways for eligible candidates looking to establish themselves in Canada.
At Growing Globe Immigration, we stay updated on the latest PNP developments to provide expert guidance for your Canadian immigration journey. Connect with us today to explore the best pathways for your profile.
