Canada’s provincial immigration programs are closing out 2025 with renewed activity, as New Brunswick and Manitoba issue fresh invitations under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). While New Brunswick has resumed draws after a short pause, Manitoba continues to use targeted recruitment initiatives to select skilled workers from both inside and outside Canada.
Together, these updates highlight how provinces are sharpening their focus on Francophone talent, locally employed workers, and employer-backed candidates heading into 2026.
Also Read New Brunswick and Manitoba Issue Fresh PNP Invitations in December 2025
New Brunswick Resumes PNP Invitations After November Pause
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) held its first invitation round since mid-November on December 9, 2025, restarting provincial selections after several weeks of inactivity.
A total of 110 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued across two immigration streams, with a strong emphasis on Francophone candidates working in New Brunswick.
New Brunswick PNP Draw – December 9, 2025
- Total ITAs issued: 110
- Streams invited:
- New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
- New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
- Target group: Francophone applicants across all occupational sectors
- EOI cut-off date: December 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (AST)
- CRS cutoff: Not published (provincial selection-based draw)
- Application processing: All applications to be processed in 2026
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- New Brunswick Restarts Draws While Manitoba Targets Skilled Workers at Home and Abroad
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- Canada’s Express Entry Pool Shrinks as Invitation Surge Clears High CRS Scores
Invitation Breakdown by Stream and Pathway
| Stream | Pathway | Invitations Issued |
| New Brunswick Express Entry | Employment in New Brunswick | 8 |
| New Brunswick Skilled Worker | NB Experience + NB Graduates | 102 |
The majority of invitations were issued through employment- and education-linked pathways, reinforcing New Brunswick’s preference for candidates already integrated into the provincial workforce.
Key Eligibility Highlights for Selected Pathways
Express Entry – Employment in New Brunswick
- Active federal Express Entry profile
- At least 12 months of residence in New Brunswick
- Full-time, non-seasonal employment in a TEER 0–3 occupation
- Minimum CLB 7 language level and secondary education
Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Experience
- Full-time employment with a New Brunswick employer
- At least six months of work experience with the supporting employer
- Minimum six months of residence in the province
Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Graduates
- Graduation from a New Brunswick-based DLI (PGWP-eligible program)
- Full-time, non-seasonal employment or valid job offer in the province
Certain occupations remain excluded across all pathways.
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- Manitoba PNP Holds Targeted Draw, Invites Skilled Workers with Valid Work Permits
- Manitoba Invites 862 Skilled Workers in Latest Provincial Nominee Draw
- Manitoba Gets More Immigration Spots for 2025 to Attract Skilled Workers
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Manitoba Continues Strategic Recruitment with Latest MPNP Draw
Shortly after New Brunswick’s draw, Manitoba conducted a targeted selection round through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) on December 18, 2025.
The province issued 63 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to skilled workers under strategic recruitment initiatives, prioritising candidates already connected to Manitoba’s labour market.
Manitoba PNP Draw – December 18, 2025
- Total LAAs issued: 63
- Streams involved:
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba
- Skilled Worker Overseas
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba
- Selection method: Strategic Recruitment Initiatives
- CRS cutoff: Not disclosed
- Express Entry-linked candidates: 8
Manitoba Draw: Invitation Distribution by Category
| Strategic Category | Invitations Issued |
| Employer Services | 10 |
| Francophone Community | 27 |
| Regional Communities | 5 |
| Temporary Public Policy (TPP) | 21 |
Francophone candidates and individuals currently working in Manitoba received the largest share of invitations, reflecting the province’s dual focus on language diversity and labour retention.
What Manitoba’s Selection Categories Indicate
- Employer Services: Supports Manitoba employers seeking to retain skilled workers
- Francophone Community: Prioritises candidates whose French ability meets or exceeds their English proficiency
- Regional Communities: Addresses labour shortages outside Winnipeg
- Temporary Public Policy (TPP): Linked to special work permit facilitation for select PNP candidates
It is important to note that Manitoba stopped accepting new work permit support letter submissions after December 16, 2025, signalling the end of this specific facilitation route.
Key Takeaway for Provincial Nominee Candidates
These two draws underline a growing trend across Canada’s provinces:
- New Brunswick is prioritising Francophone workers and candidates already living, studying, and working in the province
- Manitoba continues to rely on employer-backed and strategically recruited talent, both domestically and internationally
As 2026 approaches, provincial immigration pathways remain highly effective—but increasingly selective. Strong language skills, verified employment, and provincial connections are becoming decisive factors for success.
