In early 2026, Canadian provinces continue to actively select immigration candidates through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) based on labour market needs and economic priorities.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) continue to play a critical role in Canada’s immigration strategy in 2026. Provinces are actively selecting candidates based on local labour shortages, sector priorities, and regional economic goals. Below is a detailed review of recent provincial invitation activity and emerging trends.
1. | Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Recent draws include:
February 2, 2026: Alberta Opportunity Stream – 915 invitations
January 29, 2026: Accelerated Tech Pathway – 148 invitations
January 26–27, 2026: Dedicated Health Care Pathways – 63 and 43 invitations
Alberta’s focus areas include:
| 1. | In-province workers |
|---|---|
| 2. | Technology occupations |
| 3. | Health care professionals |
Official Source
https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-processing-information
2. | New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
Recent rounds include:
February 11, 2026: Skilled Worker Stream (Health Care Focus) – 196 invitations
February 2, 2026: Express Entry Stream – 170 invitations
February 2, 2026: Strategic Initiative (Francophone Focus) – 160 invitations
New Brunswick emphasizes:
| 1. | Francophone immigration |
|---|---|
| 2. | Health care sector recruitment |
| 3. | Targeted economic needs |
Official Source
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/immigration/immigrating-to-nb/invitations-to-apply.html
3. | Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
February 12, 2026: EOI Draw #264 – 29 Letters of Advice to Apply
Manitoba continues to conduct smaller, strategic recruitment rounds focused on specific labour or community initiatives.
Official Source
https://immigratemanitoba.com/notices/eoi-draw/
4. | Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Ontario’s 2026 nomination allocation has increased compared to the previous year. A higher allocation indicates stronger capacity for provincial selection throughout the year.
Official Source
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2026-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-update
Key Provincial Trends in 2026:
Health care and technology occupations remain top priorities.
Francophone candidates receive strong provincial attention.
Provinces are using targeted and occupation-specific selection models.
What This Means for PNP Applicants:
Aligning your occupation with provincial labour shortages improves nomination chances.
Francophone applicants may benefit from both federal and provincial targeting.
Provincial nomination remains one of the strongest ways to secure permanent residence through Express Entry due to the 600-point boost.
Monitoring provincial updates regularly is critical, as PNP criteria can change quickly.
- Immigration candidates seeking provincial nomination in Alberta, New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Ontario.
- Applicants in health care, technology, and Francophone streams.
- Individuals aiming to improve Express Entry CRS scores through provincial nomination.
- February 2, 2026: Alberta Opportunity Stream draw with 915 invitations.
- January 29, 2026: Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway draw with 148 invitations.
- January 26–27, 2026: Alberta Dedicated Health Care Pathways draws with 63 and 43 invitations.
- February 11, 2026: New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream (Health Care Focus) draw with 196 invitations.
- February 2, 2026: New Brunswick Express Entry Stream draw with 170 invitations.
- February 2, 2026: New Brunswick Strategic Initiative (Francophone Focus) draw with 160 invitations.
- February 12, 2026: Manitoba EOI Draw #264 issuing 29 Letters of Advice to Apply.