Canada Restores Provincial Nominee Program Slots for 2025

On October 16, 2025, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab, announced a significant policy shift: the federal government will restore additional nomination slots for the provincial/territorial nomination stream of immigration known as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for 2025.

What Was Announced

• The federal allotment for PNP nominations under the 2025 immigration plan had been reduced from about 110,000 slots in 2024 to 55,000 in 2025.

• After consultation with provincial and territorial governments, Minister Diab communicated that some jurisdictions will receive an increase in their PNP nomination slots for the remainder of 2025.

• While exact numbers by province are not yet fully detailed, examples given include:

  • Nova Scotia: its PNP allotment was cut from 3,570 to ~1,785, and is now expected to be restored to around 3,700.

  • Other provinces/territories (e.g., Manitoba, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador) are reported to have reached agreements for extra nominations.

  
  

  
  

⚠️ Things to Watch

• Exact allocations per province: While some provinces have headline numbers, many details are still emerging. Applicants should monitor official provincial-government and federal announcements.

• Criteria and draws: More slots don’t automatically mean easier selection—provinces may tighten eligibility or change streams to meet local demands.

• 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan: The restoration is a 2025 adjustment, but the upcoming immigration levels plan will set the tone for the next three years. Will this be a one-off or part of a sustained shift?

• Capacity and infrastructure: One of the reasons cited for earlier cuts was concerns about service capacity (housing, settlement support, etc.). These underlying pressures remain.

• Labour market changes: While this addresses general labour shortages, specific sectors (healthcare, trades, technology) may still face unique constraints.

  
  

What to Expect in November 2025

With November 2025 approaching, IRCC will unveil the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

💡 What This Means for Applicants

Here are some practical take-aways if you’re considering a PNP-based application:

• If you already have a profile or are eligible for a provincial nomination, check your province’s PNP stream list for any updated draws or targets.

• Consider timing: With renewed slots, provinces may ramp up draws—be ready with documents, language tests, credentials.

• Don’t rely solely on this change: Keep an eye on federal Express Entry and other pathways, as PNP is just one route.

• Stay informed: Follow both federal releases (via Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada/IRCC) and your provincial immigration ministry.

• Plan for the long term: If you receive a nomination, you’ll still need to meet federal permanent residency requirements and timelines—so build in time for medicals, security clearances, etc.

  
  

🔍 Final Thoughts

Minister Diab’s announcement marks a welcome correction for provincial nomination programs in Canada—especially after the sharp reduction of slots earlier in 2025. It underscores how immigration policy is not static but responsive to regional realities and labour-market needs.

For candidates and provinces alike, the message is: opportunity is expanding. But as always in immigration, preparedness matters. Having your eligibility sorted, staying alert to provincial updates, and being ready to act will make the difference.