In 2025, Alberta and New Brunswick have provided important updates on their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), offering new opportunities and clarifications for candidates interested in immigrating to Canada.
Alberta’s First Provincial Selection of 2025
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) held its first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of the year, issuing invitations to candidates who demonstrated a range of qualifications, including professional skills, experience, and ties to the province.
These invitations were sent out as part of Alberta’s ongoing effort to attract skilled workers to meet the province’s labor market needs, particularly in rural areas and essential sectors like healthcare.
Key Details from Alberta’s First 2025 Draws
Alberta held three draws between February 3 and February 6, 2025. The draws targeted candidates in specific streams, with different cut-off scores and numbers of invitations issued:
- February 3, 2025 – Rural Renewal Stream
- Cut-off score: 68
- Invitations issued: 190
- February 5, 2025 – Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry)
- Cut-off score: 52
- Invitations issued: 70
- February 6, 2025 – Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Non-Express Entry)
- Cut-off score: 50
- Invitations issued: 48
Alberta’s Rural Renewal Stream and Dedicated Health Care Pathway are designed to address the specific needs of the province’s rural communities and healthcare sector. The Dedicated Health Care Pathway has two separate intakes: one for candidates aligned with the Express Entry system and another for those who do not qualify for Express Entry but meet the other eligibility requirements.
Candidates invited through these pathways will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Canada and contribute to the province’s growth and development. For more information on Alberta’s immigration programs and how to apply, visit our dedicated page on the AAIP.
New Brunswick’s Updates on Application Processing
New Brunswick also made headlines recently, offering important updates on its immigration programs. The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) provided clarity on the Expression of Interest (EOI) process and its application handling, especially following technical issues that impacted the online portal.
Provincial Nominee Program Updates
New Brunswick announced that it would begin issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in March 2025 as part of scheduled draws. The province is currently reviewing the EOIs submitted by candidates interested in immigrating through the NBPNP.
The EOI portal faced significant performance issues due to an unusually high volume of traffic, leading to temporary delays. The province confirmed that its IT staff are working to address these technical difficulties to ensure a smoother experience for future applicants.
It is essential to note that New Brunswick does not process applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. Candidates must ensure they meet the updated eligibility requirements of the immigration streams before submitting their EOIs, including adherence to specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes.
Additionally, EOIs submitted via the Immigration New Brunswick (INB) portal are valid for 365 days from the submission date, providing ample time for candidates to complete their application process. As part of its effort to enhance program integrity, the NBPNP emphasized the importance of staying informed about eligibility criteria and not rushing to submit applications before thoroughly reviewing the requirements.
Navigating Alberta’s Immigration Pathways
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program provides a diverse range of options for skilled workers, international graduates, and professionals who want to settle in Alberta. The first few months of 2025 have already seen several draws that target specific labor market needs, including healthcare professionals and those willing to settle in rural areas.
For foreign nationals aiming to immigrate through the AAIP, the program offers several distinct streams designed to support a variety of candidates:
- Alberta Express Entry Stream: This stream allows Alberta to select candidates from the federal Express Entry pool based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and their potential to contribute to the province’s economy. Invitations are typically issued to top-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool who have ties to Alberta.
- Rural Renewal Stream: Aimed at attracting workers to smaller communities and rural areas in Alberta, this stream is an excellent option for those looking to settle outside major urban centers. Candidates with job offers from eligible employers in rural Alberta can receive priority under this pathway.
- Dedicated Healthcare Pathways: Alberta has placed significant emphasis on addressing healthcare labor shortages through specialized pathways for healthcare professionals. Both Express Entry-aligned and non-Express Entry pathways are available under this stream, which is designed to fast-track the immigration of healthcare workers.
Understanding New Brunswick’s Immigration Reforms
New Brunswick is a province known for its welcoming approach to immigrants, and the updates provided by the NBPNP signal positive steps toward improving the application process. The province’s decision to begin issuing ITAs in March 2025 reflects its commitment to addressing the needs of its labor market while managing a high volume of immigration applications.
The NBPNP offers various streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who wish to contribute to the province’s economy. However, New Brunswick has made it clear that candidates need to meet specific eligibility criteria, including NOC code restrictions, before submitting their EOIs. This means that candidates must align their skills and experience with the province’s identified labor gaps to increase their chances of being invited to apply.
The provincial government’s efforts to update and refine its application process, especially in the face of technical difficulties, show its commitment to improving the overall immigration experience. By addressing these challenges, New Brunswick aims to create a more streamlined and efficient process for both candidates and employers.
Alternative Pathways for Immigration to New Brunswick
While the NBPNP is a primary route for immigrants wishing to settle in New Brunswick, there are other programs to consider. The New Brunswick Express Entry Stream, for example, allows skilled workers with a valid job offer from an eligible employer to apply for permanent residency. This stream works in alignment with the federal Express Entry system, which is a point-based immigration system that selects candidates based on their qualifications, work experience, language ability, and other factors.
Candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the NBPNP may also explore Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program, both of which fall under the Express Entry system. For those with experience in industries such as healthcare, construction, and technology, these pathways may provide viable options for obtaining permanent residency.
Conclusion
Both Alberta and New Brunswick have made significant strides in managing their immigration programs in 2025. Alberta’s AAIP has kicked off the year with multiple draws targeting key sectors, while New Brunswick’s NBPNP is working through technical issues and preparing to issue invitations starting in March. As immigration opportunities continue to evolve, candidates interested in moving to either province should stay updated on the latest changes and eligibility requirements.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on how to apply for immigration through Alberta or New Brunswick, or to assess your eligibility for various immigration streams, consider consulting with an experienced immigration consultant. These professionals can provide tailored guidance and help ensure your application meets all necessary requirements.
