British Columbia and Manitoba have invited candidates under their respective provincial nominee programs, focusing on economic immigration streams. Meanwhile, Alberta has released new updates on the current candidate pools for multiple immigration pathways under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
British Columbia PNP: Entrepreneur Immigration Draw Held
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) conducted a new Entrepreneur Immigration draw on January 28, 2025, issuing at least two invitations to eligible candidates.
Candidates received invitations under both the Base Entrepreneur Stream and the Regional Entrepreneur Stream, with a minimum required score of 123 in both categories.
BCPNP Entrepreneur Draw – January 28, 2025
| Stream | Minimum Score | Number of Invitations |
| Base Entrepreneur Stream | 123 | <5 |
| Regional Entrepreneur Stream | 123 | <5 |
The Base Entrepreneur Stream is highly competitive and selects candidates based on various factors, including:
- Business proposal viability
- Proposed business location
- Community population size
- Alignment with priority business sectors
On the other hand, the Regional Entrepreneur Stream focuses on candidates referred by participating communities across British Columbia. This stream aims to boost economic growth in smaller regions by attracting foreign entrepreneurs to start businesses in these areas.
Manitoba PNP: Invitations Issued Under International Education & Skilled Worker Overseas Streams
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducted two separate draws on February 6, 2025, issuing a total of 76 invitations to immigration candidates.
- International Education Stream: A total of 59 invitations were issued to candidates who met the program’s requirements. Eligible candidates needed at least four years of full-time work experience in the last five years and had to provide supporting documents for verification.
- Skilled Worker Overseas Stream: 17 invitations were issued to candidates who were selected under a strategic recruitment initiative and required a minimum score of 612 to qualify.
Additionally, 18 of the 76 total invitations were issued to candidates with a valid Express Entry profile, increasing their chances of faster processing.
MPNP Draw – February 6, 2025
| Stream | Minimum Score | Number of Invitations |
| International Education Stream | Not Published | 59 |
| Skilled Worker Overseas | 612 | 17 |
This draw highlights Manitoba’s continued efforts to attract skilled professionals and international graduates who can contribute to the province’s economic growth.
Alberta AAIP: Candidate Pool Updates Released
While Alberta has yet to conduct its first draw of 2025, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has released an update on the number of Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles currently in selection pools. These pools include multiple immigration pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and industry-specific applicants.
AAIP EOI Pool Updates – February 2025
| Stream | EOIs in Selection Pool |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | 28,830 |
| Dedicated Health Care Pathways (EE & Non-EE) | 1,026 |
| Rural Renewal Stream | 3,029 |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream | 4,244 |
Additionally, the province has provided specific data for Alberta Express Entry candidates, which includes the following selection pathways:
Alberta Express Entry EOI Pool
| Pathway | EOIs in Selection Pool |
| Accelerated Tech Pathway | 2,403 |
| Family Connection & Occupation in Demand | 2,206 |
| Law Enforcement Pathway | 70 |
| Priority Sector Draws & Other Initiatives | 2,802 |
Total Candidate Profiles Across AAIP EOI Pools: 44,610
These numbers reflect the growing demand for provincial immigration pathways, particularly in tech, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. Alberta’s Express Entry-linked streams remain highly competitive, with thousands of candidates awaiting invitation rounds in 2025.
Canada’s Provincial Immigration Landscape: Key Takeaways
The recent updates from British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta highlight the strong demand for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and international graduates across Canada’s provinces. With targeted draws and evolving selection criteria, provinces continue to shape their nominee programs to address labour shortages and economic priorities.
- British Columbia remains a prime destination for entrepreneurs, particularly those investing in smaller communities.
- Manitoba continues to invite candidates through its Skilled Worker and International Education streams, emphasizing strategic recruitment.
- Alberta’s EOI pool data reveals a high volume of candidates across multiple pathways, reinforcing its role as a hub for sectors like tech, healthcare, and hospitality.
For immigration candidates, staying updated on provincial nominee programs (PNPs) and meeting evolving eligibility criteria is crucial for securing a nomination in 2025 and beyond.
For more expert immigration news and updates, stay connected with The Canada Time – your authoritative source for everything related to Canada’s immigration policies and pathways!
