Provinces Bounce Back as Immigration Numbers Surge in 2025

Canada’s provincial immigration scene has seen major shifts through 2025. Most provinces and territories regained or expanded their nomination allocations for permanent residency. Only Ontario and Prince Edward Island have not received extra spots so far this year.

The federal government grants each province a yearly number of nomination certificates. These allow provinces to select skilled foreign workers who can then apply for permanent residency.

After several months of uncertainty, many regions saw their numbers rise again. The increase gave new hope to thousands of workers and employers waiting for immigration programs to reopen.

Alberta Leads the Increase

Alberta topped the list with the biggest increase. The province gained 1,528 more nomination slots under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. New Brunswick followed with 1,500 extra spaces, and Manitoba received 1,489.

Other provinces also bounced back. Newfoundland and Labrador nearly restored its full 2024 quota, reaching 98% of last year’s numbers. The Yukon and Northwest Territories also came close, receiving 94% and 100% of their previous allocations.

For the Atlantic provinces, allocations included both the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

Why Allocations Shifted

The federal Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027 had initially caused worry. It slashed the overall PNP admission targets from 120,000 to 55,000 per year. The sudden cut forced provinces to pause several programs and tighten selection criteria early in 2025.

Processing times added to the pressure. Many applications take months or even years to complete. This meant the number of newcomers landing each year didn’t match the number of nominations issued.

In January, allocations were cut by half. Many provinces had to adjust by focusing on workers already living in Canada. The federal government required that 75% of nominees come from within the country.

Provinces Adjust Strategies

Each province took a different path to adapt. British Columbia paused three new graduate streams and waitlisted post-graduate applications. Nova Scotia shifted focus to healthcare, social services, and construction workers. Prince Edward Island prioritized jobs in healthcare, trades, and childcare.

New Brunswick aimed at health, education, and construction sectors, while Saskatchewan reduced overseas recruitment. Saskatchewan also capped nominations in transport, retail, and hospitality at 25%.

Despite these changes, most provinces managed to negotiate increases by mid-year. Some provinces, including New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, received more immigration spots in exchange for accepting humanitarian applicants.

What Comes Next

The steady rise in allocations suggests a more positive outlook for 2026. Government documents hint that next year’s plan may raise the PNP landing targets again.

Since its creation in 1998, the PNP has become a key path for skilled workers. Every province and territory, except Nunavut and Quebec, uses it to fill local labour gaps. Quebec continues to manage its own system separately.

For many newcomers, these restored allocations offer renewed chances to build their future in Canada.