Author: Admin

The province of Alberta continues to strengthen its position as one of Canada’s most active destinations for skilled immigrants. In early October 2025, Alberta held three provincial immigration draws under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), inviting a total of 1,324 candidates across multiple streams.

These draws reflect Alberta’s focused strategy to meet labour market needs in key sectors such as construction, technology, and general occupations.

Breakdown of October 2025 Draws

 Alberta held three separate draws between October 1 and 7, 2025:

Date	Stream / Pathway	Minimum CRS Score	Invitations
October 1, 2025	Alberta Opportunity Stream	61	1,003
October 3, 2025	Accelerated Tech Pathway	52	230
October 7, 2025	Priority Sectors – Construction	60	91

The Opportunity Stream remained the largest pathway, offering over 75% of total invitations. This stream primarily targets foreign workers already employed in Alberta on valid work permits, enabling them to transition to permanent residency.

Meanwhile, the Accelerated Tech Pathway and Construction sector draws highlight Alberta’s ongoing demand for talent in critical infrastructure and digital innovation sectors.

Alberta’s September 2025 Draws Set the Stage

Before the October rounds, Alberta had already issued 1,433 invitations across three draws between September 12 and 19, 2025.
Those draws included:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream – 1,113 invitations (CRS 63)
• Accelerated Tech Pathway – 320 invitations (CRS 55)
• Law Enforcement Pathway – under 10 invitations (CRS 56)

By late September, the province had used 3,983 of its 4,875 federal nomination allocations for 2025 — a sign of its aggressive pace in addressing workforce gaps.

Key Takeaways

1. The Alberta Opportunity Stream remains dominant, serving as the main route for temporary foreign workers to gain permanent residence.
2. Low CRS cut-offs (52–63) make Alberta’s programs more accessible compared to other provinces.
3. Targeted draws reflect Alberta’s economic priorities — especially in tech, law enforcement, and construction.
4. Rapid use of quotas indicates the province’s proactive approach to retaining talent.
5. Flexible draw scheduling shows Alberta’s responsiveness to shifting labour needs.

What This Means for Applicants

Aspiring immigrants with Alberta job offers or experience in high-demand occupations — especially in tech, construction, or essential trades — should monitor the AAIP closely.
Maintaining an updated Express Entry profile, strong job offer, and relevant Canadian work experience will significantly enhance the chances of receiving an invitation.

Conclusion

Alberta’s three recent immigration draws reaffirm the province’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers who can support its growing economy.
With low CRS thresholds, sector-specific targeting, and steady invitation numbers, Alberta remains a top choice for candidates aiming to settle permanently in Canada.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has conducted its latest draw, issuing 862 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to eligible candidates under the Skilled Worker categories. This move continues Manitoba’s strong efforts to attract and retain talent to support the province’s economic growth and labor market needs.

Key Highlights of MPNP Draw #255 (October 9, 2025)

• Total invitations: 862 LAAs
• Skilled Worker in Manitoba: 583 invitations, primarily for candidates employed in healthcare and caregiving roles.
• Skilled Worker Overseas: 279 invitations issued through Manitoba’s Strategic Recruitment Initiatives.
• Express Entry candidates: 203 invitations to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles and job seeker validation codes.

Additional invitations were distributed as follows:

• Employer Services: 45
• Francophone Community: 43
• Regional Communities: 8
• Ethnocultural Communities: 3
• Temporary Public Policy (TPP): 180

Focus on Healthcare and Caregiving Sectors

This draw emphasized Manitoba’s ongoing labor market priorities — especially in healthcare and caregiving occupations, such as Home Support Workers (NOC 44101) and other essential service roles. The province continues to support employers by ensuring these critical occupations are filled with qualified, long-term residents.

Strategic Recruitment and Employer-Led Pathways

The MPNP remains focused on employer-driven and community-based recruitment, targeting international talent for high-demand occupations that cannot be met locally. Manitoba also continues to leverage Temporary Public Policy (TPP) measures that allow select candidates to obtain open work permits, ensuring flexibility and faster integration.

Increased Nomination Capacity for 2025

Recently, Manitoba secured an additional 1,489 nomination spaces, bringing its total allocation to 6,239 nominations for 2025. This increase allows the province to invite more candidates in key industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

What Applicants Should Know

• Application Deadline: Invited candidates must submit complete applications through the MPNP portal before the stated deadline.
• Documentation: Proof of employment, education, and settlement intent in Manitoba must be clearly provided.
• Regulated Occupations: Applicants in licensed professions must show valid Manitoba authorization to practice.
• Express Entry Advantage: Candidates nominated through Express Entry receive 600 additional CRS points and faster federal processing.

Conclusion

This latest MPNP draw demonstrates Manitoba’s proactive immigration strategy — focusing on attracting skilled workers who can contribute immediately to the province’s economic and community development. With increased nomination capacity and strong employer partnerships, Manitoba continues to be one of Canada’s top destinations for skilled immigrants.

Starting October 10, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) announced an expansion of its Low-Wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing freeze.
The measure aims to protect job opportunities for Canadians and permanent residents in regions experiencing unemployment rates of 6% or higher.

This update adds six new regions to the list of Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) where low-wage LMIA applications will not be processed, while one region has been removed due to improved labour market conditions.

Summary of Regional Changes

Category	Region (CMA)	Province	Change Effective October 10, 2025
Added	Halifax	Nova Scotia	Added to freeze list
Added	Barrie	Ontario	Added to freeze list
Added	Kingston	Ontario	Added to freeze list
Added	Peterborough	Ontario	Added to freeze list
Added	Windsor	Ontario	Added to freeze list
Added	Kelowna	British Columbia	Added to freeze list
Removed	Moncton	New Brunswick	Removed due to lower unemployment

Purpose of the Freeze

The Low-Wage LMIA Processing Freeze prevents employers from submitting LMIA applications for low-wage positions in high-unemployment regions.

It is part of the government’s labour market stabilization strategy, ensuring employers hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents first before turning to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

The freeze list is updated every quarter, based on regional unemployment data.

Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers

• Employers in frozen regions cannot apply for new low-wage LMIAs.
• They may continue to apply for high-wage, agriculture, or global talent stream positions.
• Foreign workers awaiting job offers in affected areas may face delays or cancellations.
• Employers are encouraged to explore alternative pathways, such as:
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  • Express Entry
  • In-Canada recruitment and training incentives.

Next Review

The freeze will remain in effect until the next quarterly review, expected in January 2026, when ESDC reassesses unemployment trends and adjusts the eligible CMAs accordingly.

Conclusion

This latest update underscores the federal government’s data-driven approach to labour policy. Employers operating in the newly frozen CMAs should review their staffing plans and consult authorized immigration experts for guidance on alternative visa or work permit options.

The U.S. government has announced a sharp increase in costs for foreign workers under the H-1B visa program, including a new $100,000 fee for first-time applications. This move is expected to make it significantly harder for international tech professionals to pursue opportunities in the United States.

In response, Canada is positioning itself as the new global destination for technology talent.

Canada’s Advantage for Skilled Tech Workers

Prime Minister Mark Carney recently confirmed that Canada will expand programs to attract STEM professionals and skilled foreign workers. These initiatives are designed to make it easier for tech talent to obtain Canadian work permits and transition to permanent residency.

Current Canadian pathways for tech workers include:

• Global Talent Stream – fast-tracked work permits in as little as two weeks.
• Innovation Stream Work Permits – LMIA-exempt options for employers in high-growth industries.
• H-1B Open Work Permit Pathway – introduced for U.S. H-1B holders looking to relocate to Canada.
• Express Entry Category-Based Draws – prioritizing candidates with STEM and IT experience.

These programs not only provide job mobility and career security but also lead to Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) and eventually citizenship.

Why This Matters for Global Tech Talent

The new U.S. H-1B fee will impact startups, mid-size tech firms, and global professionals seeking career opportunities in Silicon Valley and beyond. Many experts predict that Canada’s immigration system will become the top choice for international talent due to its streamlined processing, affordability, and clear PR pathways.

For skilled workers in IT, software engineering, AI, fintech, and emerging technologies, Canada offers both stability and growth opportunities.

How GTR Immigration Can Help

At GTR Immigration, we specialize in guiding tech professionals and skilled workers through the Canadian immigration process. Whether you are:

• Currently on an H-1B visa in the U.S.,
• A tech worker abroad looking for faster Canadian work permits, or
• Interested in direct PR pathways like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP),

…our team of regulated consultants can help you choose the right program, connect with Canadian employers, and secure your future in Canada.

Final Thoughts

The U.S. visa changes may close doors, but Canada is opening new ones for global tech talent. With dedicated pathways, government support, and growing demand for skilled workers, Canada is quickly becoming the world’s most attractive destination for technology professionals.

📩 Book a consultation with GTR Immigration today and explore your Canadian opportunity.

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted a series of 7 targeted provincial immigration draws this month, issuing a total of 1,376 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates in high-demand occupations.

Multiple Targeted Draws in Key Sectors

Between September 2 and September 10, 2025, Alberta held draws under the Express Entry stream to address labor shortages in critical industries. Invitations were extended to candidates with work experience in:

• Healthcare
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Aviation

For example, a draw on September 10, 2025 invited 30 Express Entry candidates with aviation experience, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 50. Healthcare professionals were a major focus throughout the month, with multiple rounds of invitations where minimum CRS cut-offs ranged from 44 to 64 points, reflecting Alberta’s urgent need for talent in this sector.

Alberta AAIP Draw Results – September 2025

Draw date	Stream	Number of invitations issued	Cut-off score
September 10, 2025	Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Aviation)	30	50
September 9, 2025	Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Health Care)	70	64
September 8, 2025	Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Construction)	121	61
September 5, 2025	Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Agriculture)	71	48
September 4, 2025	Alberta Opportunity Stream	891	56
September 3, 2025	Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry)	67	44
September 2, 2025	Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry)	126	49

CRS Scores and Eligibility

The AAIP continues to prioritize candidates with Alberta job offers, work experience in in-demand occupations, and strong ties to the province. Many of the targeted draws maintained relatively low CRS cut-offs compared to federal Express Entry draws, giving more opportunities to qualified foreign workers and graduates.

2025 Nomination Quota Status

According to official figures from the Government of Alberta, the province has issued 3,749 nominations so far in 2025, out of its annual allocation of 4,875 nominations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This leaves 1,126 spaces remaining for the rest of the year.

Why Alberta Is a Top Destination for Newcomers

Alberta’s booming economy and demand for skilled workers make it one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants. With ongoing recruitment in healthcare, construction, and agriculture, the province continues to align immigration with workforce needs, ensuring that newcomers can integrate quickly and fill labor shortages.

In September 2025, over 1,300 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residency through Alberta’s provincial immigration draws. As the year progresses, prospective applicants with relevant work experience and ties to Alberta are encouraged to create an Express Entry profile and monitor upcoming AAIP draws closely.

On August 29, 2025, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador conducted its latest immigration draw, issuing a total of 202 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to skilled candidates. Invitations were distributed through both the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), supporting the province’s long-term labor and population growth strategies.

Breakdown of Invitations

In this latest provincial immigration draw:

• NLPNP (Provincial Nominee Program): 125 ITAs issued
• AIP (Atlantic Immigration Program): 77 ITAs issued

This marked the eighth Expression of Interest (EOI) draw since the province launched its new immigration selection system earlier in 2025.

Comparison With Previous Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Draws

The August 29 results follow earlier draws in July and August, demonstrating steady invitation levels across both streams.

Draw Date	NLPNP ITAs	AIP ITAs	Total Invitations
July 29, 2025	100	50	150
August 13, 2025	180	51	231
August 29, 2025	125	77	202

Year-to-Date Invitation Totals

As of August 29, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador has issued 2,251 ITAs across both programs:

• NLPNP: 1,800 ITAs
• AIP: 451 ITAs

This keeps the province on track to meet its 2025 immigration allocation targets, which include 2,050 PNP spots and 475 AIP spots.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Immigration Priorities

The province continues to prioritize candidates with the skills needed to fill critical labor shortages in sectors such as:

• Healthcare
• Technology
• Skilled trades
• Resource industries

Through the EOI system and the Immigration Accelerator platform, the government is streamlining the selection process to attract workers who can contribute to the province’s economy and communities.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held another Express Entry draw, issuing 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with strong French language proficiency.

Details of the September 2025 French-Proficiency Draw

The latest category-based draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 446. To be eligible, candidates needed to have submitted an Express Entry profile before 7:21 a.m. UTC on June 16, 2025.

This draw highlights Canada’s continued focus on attracting French-speaking immigrants, as part of its strategy to strengthen bilingual communities and support Canada’s labor market needs.

Express Entry Draws in 2025: At a Glance

So far in 2025, IRCC has conducted a wide range of draws under different categories, including the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and category-based draws for healthcare, social services, education, and French language proficiency.

Below is a summary of Express Entry draws held in 2025:

Date	Draw Type	ITAs Issued	CRS Cut-off
Sept. 3	Canadian Experience Class	1,000	534
Sept. 2	Provincial Nominee Program	249	772
Aug. 19	Healthcare & Social Services	2,500	470
Aug. 18	Provincial Nominee Program	192	800
Aug. 8	French Language Proficiency	2,500	481
Aug. 7	Canadian Experience Class	1,000	534
Aug. 6	Provincial Nominee Program	225	739
July 22	Healthcare & Social Services	4,000	475
July 21	Provincial Nominee Program	202	788
July 8	Canadian Experience Class	3,000	518
July 7	Provincial Nominee Program	356	750
June 26	Canadian Experience Class	3,000	521
June 23	Provincial Nominee Program	503	742
June 12	Canadian Experience Class	3,000	529
June 10	Provincial Nominee Program	125	784
June 4	Healthcare & Social Services	500	504
June 2	Provincial Nominee Program	277	726
May 13	Canadian Experience Class	500	547
May 12	Provincial Nominee Program	511	706
May 2	Healthcare & Social Services	500	510
May 1	Education	1,000	479
April 28	Provincial Nominee Program	421	727
April 14	Provincial Nominee Program	825	764
Mar. 21	French Language Proficiency	7,500	379
Mar. 17	Provincial Nominee Program	536	736
Mar. 6	French Language Proficiency	4,500	410
Mar. 3	Provincial Nominee Program	725	667
Feb. 19	French Language Proficiency	6,500	428
Feb. 17	Provincial Nominee Program	646	750
Feb. 5	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	521
Feb. 4	Provincial Nominee Program	455	802
Jan. 23	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
Jan. 8	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542
Jan. 7	Provincial Nominee Program	471	793

Express Entry Trends in 2025

• Total ITAs issued so far in 2025: 62,109
• Most frequent draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (16 draws)
• Other categories:
  • Canadian Experience Class – 9 draws
  • French language proficiency – 5 draws
  • Healthcare and social services – 4 draws
  • Education – 1 draw

This year, IRCC has placed significant emphasis on PNP draws and category-based invitations, while continuing to provide opportunities for French-speaking candidates and those with Canadian work experience.

What This Means for Applicants

The latest draw shows that candidates with French proficiency continue to benefit from lower CRS cut-offs compared to other categories, making it an attractive pathway for immigration to Canada in 2025.

Applicants are encouraged to keep their Express Entry profiles updated and monitor the evolving IRCC Express Entry draw schedule to maximize their chances of receiving an ITA.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has conducted some of its largest draws of the year on September 2, 2025, issuing a total of 2,643 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Employer Job Offer streams. This major selection round highlights Ontario’s strong demand for skilled workers, international graduates, and professionals in high-priority occupations.

Breakdown of Ontario PNP Draws – September 2, 2025

Ontario invited candidates from three major streams of the Employer Job Offer category. Here is the full breakdown:

Stream	Minimum Score	Number of Invitations
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream	41	1,305
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream	58	1,105
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream	33	233

Focus on Healthcare and Education Occupations

The September 2 OINP draws specifically targeted candidates working in priority sectors such as:

• Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, medical technicians)
• Early childhood educators and assistants
• Home support and related care roles under the In-Demand Skills stream

Only candidates with valid job offers in eligible NOC (National Occupational Classification) codes were considered.

Eligibility and Profile Requirements

To qualify for these draws, candidates needed to:

• Have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) profile submitted between July 2, 2025, and September 2, 2025.
• Possess a valid job offer from an Ontario employer in eligible occupations.
• Meet the minimum score cut-offs depending on the Employer Job Offer stream.

Why This Draw Is Significant

• With 2,643 ITAs issued, this marks one of the largest Ontario PNP draws in 2025, reinforcing the province’s commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants to address labor shortages in healthcare, education, and essential services.
• The Ontario PNP (OINP) continues to play a crucial role in Canada’s immigration strategy, offering foreign workers and international graduates a pathway to permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled its 2025 Express Entry draw schedule, giving candidates a clearer picture of upcoming opportunities to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Based on recently released internal memos and Access to Information (ATIP) requests, the new details shed light on category-based draws, Francophone immigration targets, and how provinces will coordinate their immigration planning.

Key Highlights of IRCC’s 2025 Express Entry Plans

• Category-Based Draws: Healthcare, trades, and education will remain the top focus for 2025.
• Francophone Priority: IRCC aims for 8.5% of admissions outside Quebec to be Francophone in 2025, rising to 9.5% in 2026.
• ITA Distribution: Tens of thousands of ITAs already issued, with more scheduled throughout 2025.
• Provincial Coordination: Provinces will receive a three-month ITA forecast calendar to align draws with regional labor needs.
• Link to 2026 Targets: ITAs issued late in 2025 may count toward 2026 admissions, due to processing timelines.

Breakdown of Category-Based Draws for 2025

Healthcare Professionals

• Planned ITAs: 8,000
• Issued so far: 7,500
• Remaining in 2025: 500

Healthcare remains the largest priority, reflecting Canada’s urgent need for nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.

Education Workers

• Planned ITAs: 3,000
• Issued so far: 1,000
• Remaining in 2025: 2,000

Teachers and early childhood educators are in demand, and more draws are expected before year-end.

Skilled Trades

• Planned ITAs: 3,300
• Issued so far: 0
• Remaining in 2025: 3,300

Trades are the biggest untapped opportunity in 2025. Candidates in construction, transportation, and manufacturing may benefit from upcoming rounds with lower CRS cut-offs.

Francophone Immigration: A Growing Priority

Canada continues to push for strong Francophone immigration outside Quebec. IRCC’s 2025 memo revealed:

• 18,500 ITAs issued in February–March Francophone draws.
• 2,500 ITAs issued on August 8, likely counting toward 2026 targets.
• Overall goal: 8.5% Francophone admissions in 2025.

French-speaking candidates also receive up to +50 CRS points, making them more competitive in both category-based and general draws.

ITA Calendar for Provinces and Territories

For the first time, IRCC will share a three-month ITA calendar with provinces and territories. This calendar will outline:

• Weeks when draws will occur
• Types of draws (general, PNP, or category-based)
• Projected CRS minimums (subject to operational changes)

This greater transparency allows provinces to align Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) with federal Express Entry rounds, giving candidates more predictability.

Link Between 2025 and 2026 Targets

IRCC memos note that late-2025 ITAs may contribute to 2026 permanent resident admissions, given the average processing time. This means draws held in the final quarter of 2025 are designed not only to meet 2025 immigration levels but also to support Canada’s 2026 targets under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan.

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates

1. Trades candidates have the biggest opportunity – with over 3,300 ITAs still unissued.
2. Healthcare and education workers remain strong contenders, with additional draws expected.
3. Francophone applicants gain a competitive edge thanks to CRS bonuses and high ITA volumes.
4. CRS score strategies matter – category-based draws often cut off 20–40 points lower than general draws, offering a path for candidates in the 480–490 range.
5. Plan around timelines – applying late in 2025 may align your application with 2026 intake goals.

IRCC’s 2025 Express Entry draw schedule confirms that healthcare, education, trades, and Francophone immigration will dominate the year’s priorities. With thousands of ITAs still available, especially in trades and education, candidates who align their profiles strategically stand a strong chance of success.

By understanding the category-based allocations, CRS score advantages, and provincial coordination efforts, skilled workers can better position themselves to receive an ITA in the coming months.