Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Updates: Manitoba and Alberta Issue Invitations

Two Canadian provinces have recently issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for nomination under their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These invitations provide a significant opportunity for skilled workers to secure permanent residency in Canada.

Manitoba Issues Invitations Under Two Streams

Manitoba has sent letters of advice to apply under its Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas streams. These categories are part of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), aiming to attract professionals who can contribute to the province’s economy.

Check Your Eligibility for Enhanced PNP Programs

Meanwhile, Alberta has been actively conducting immigration draws over the past few weeks. The most recent draw, held on March 5, specifically targeted workers in law enforcement.

Additionally, in February, Alberta issued invitations to skilled workers in various key sectors, including healthcare, technology, construction, and agriculture. These occupations are crucial to Alberta’s workforce needs and align with the province’s economic growth plans.

Provincial Immigration Results

Manitoba (February 28 – March 7)

On March 6, the Manitoba PNP held immigration draws under two distinct streams:

• Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream: 98 candidates received invitations. The lowest-ranked invited candidate had a score of 861.

• Skilled Worker Overseas Stream: 13 candidates were invited, with the lowest-ranked candidate securing a score of 724.

This Skilled Worker Overseas draw specifically invited individuals who the MPNP had directly selected under a strategic recruitment initiative.

In total, 111 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) were issued, with 27 invitations going to candidates who declared a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code.

What is LAA:

A Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) is an official document issued by the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) to selected candidates, inviting them to submit a complete application for provincial nomination. Receiving an LAA means that the candidate has met the initial eligibility criteria for one of Manitoba’s immigration streams. Once nominated, candidates can apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Difference between LAA and ITA:

A Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) are similar but not the same. Here’s the key difference:

• LAA (Letter of Advice to Apply): Issued by the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) to invite candidates to apply for a provincial nomination.

• ITA (Invitation to Apply): Issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to candidates in the Express Entry system, inviting them to apply for permanent residency.

In short, an LAA is a step before an ITA—candidates receiving an LAA must first apply for a provincial nomination, and if successful, they may later receive an ITA for permanent residency.

Alberta (February 7 – March 7)

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has conducted multiple draws between February 7 and March 6. These draws were carried out through different pathways, including:

• Alberta Express Entry Stream

• Alberta Opportunity Stream

• Dedicated Health Care Pathway

• Law Enforcement Pathway

The number of invitations and the minimum required score varied for each category, as outlined below:

Understanding Alberta’s Health Care Pathway

The AAIP’s Dedicated Health Care Pathway offers two options for candidates:

• Express Entry-aligned intake (enhanced pathway)

• Non-Express Entry intake

Applicants who are not eligible for the Alberta Express Entry Stream but meet all other criteria for the Dedicated Health Care Pathway can apply through the non-Express Entry option.

Key Takeaways for Immigration Candidates

For skilled professionals seeking Canadian immigration opportunities, these recent draws highlight the importance of staying updated with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) invitations. Manitoba and Alberta continue to welcome talented individuals in priority sectors, creating pathways to Canadian permanent residency.

If you are exploring immigration options, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for enhanced PNP programs and remain informed about upcoming draws in your field of expertise. These invitations present a valuable chance for skilled professionals to build their future in Canada.