Major Canadian Provinces Reach Federal PNP Allocations For 2025
Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta have confirmed they have either reached or fully utilised their federal Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations for 2025. The results underline strong demand for provincial immigration pathways and signal the growing importance of the PNP within Canada’s long-term immigration strategy.
On this page you will find:
- Overview of 2025 provincial nomination outcomes
- Links to the 2026–2028 immigration strategy
- Ontario PNP allocation results
- B.C. allocation increases and 2026 shortfall
- Alberta’s expanded nomination capacity
- What this means for future immigration candidates
The timing aligns with Ottawa’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which shifts Canada’s immigration system toward permanent stability, limits temporary arrivals, and places more responsibility on the provinces to help select newcomers who meet specific economic needs.
2025 Provincial Allocations Reached Against a Changing National Plan
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan marks a major shift in Canada’s immigration system. The federal government will sharply reduce temporary resident admissions starting in 2026, while keeping annual permanent resident levels steady at 380,000 across 2026, 2027 and 2028.
These permanent places include economic immigration targets driven heavily by provinces. The plan assigns 91,500 Provincial Nominee Program admissions for 2026, rising slightly to 92,500 in 2027 and 2028. This confirms the PNP as a core driver of regional labour market growth during the coming immigration period.
Against this backdrop, the fact that major provinces have already exhausted their 2025 allocations shows strong applicant demand and provincial dependency on the PNP to fill skills shortages.
Ontario Confirms 2025 Allocation Reached
Ontario announced it has reached its full 2025 allocation. A total of 10,750 nominations were issued across all streams, confirming strong interest in the program.
Applications will continue to be accepted and processed under the 2026 allocation. Candidates may track progress through the Ontario e-Filing portal.
Ontario’s full utilisation aligns with the national strategy to keep permanent resident admissions stable next year while reducing temporary arrivals. Ontario is expected to rely more heavily on PNP nominations as federal numbers shift toward permanent applicants.
British Columbia Uses Entire 2025 Allocation – But Faces 2026 Shortfall
British Columbia received a notable 2025 increase – 960 additional federal nomination spaces – bringing its total to 6,214. These nominations are focused on:
- healthcare professionals
- entrepreneurs
- high-economic-impact candidates
- International Post-Graduate backlogs
The full allocation will be used by December 31.
However, IRCC has confirmed B.C.’s 2026 nomination allocation will fall to 5,254, far below the 9,000 requested to support regional labour needs.
The reduction reflects the federal strategy under the levels plan to re-shape how immigration supports economic growth, shifting away from fast expansion and toward longer-term sustainability.
With temporary resident admissions dropping by 43 per cent next year, PNP pathways will become a crucial tool for B.C. employers trying to source talent. The province plans to outline its 2026 priorities early in the new year.
Alberta Meets Expanded 2025 Nomination Total
Alberta also confirmed it has met its 2025 allocation. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program received an extra 1,728 nomination spaces, lifting its total allocation to 6,603.
A small administrative federal overage through Express Entry allowed additional approvals, highlighting the flexibility Ottawa is using to manage backlogs before the 2026 shift begins.
The province will release new allocation information in early 2026. Alberta is expected to benefit from rising economic immigration shares nationally, as federal targets shift to prioritise regional talent needs through the PNP.
The National Plan: Permanent Focus and Provincial Responsibility
The new levels plan places more weight on provincial immigration systems:
- The PNP target rises to 91,500 in 2026
- Economic immigration will represent 64 per cent of total admissions by 2028
- Express Entry and the PNP will drive most permanent selections
- Temporary admissions will fall from 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026
These changes mean provinces will carry more responsibility for selecting long-term workers who meet their economic priorities.
The sharp reduction in temporary residents, including foreign workers and international students, may increase pressure on provinces to maximise their permanent allocations – especially in industries where immediate labour supply depends on temporary streams.
What This Means For Immigration Candidates
Applicants may face more competition under the 2026 framework. With fewer temporary permits available, long-term pathways like the PNP, Express Entry, the Atlantic Immigration Program and community-based pilots will become more strategically important.
Candidates should expect:
- higher PNP demand
- stricter eligibility requirements
- more emphasis on job offers
- and regional employer-driven selection
2025 PNP Allocations: FAQ
How do these results affect 2026 immigration?
The results show strong provincial use of permanent nominations ahead of the 2026 transition. As Canada cuts temporary resident arrivals, the PNP will help provinces secure long-term workers. This may raise competition for nomination streams next year.
Why did provinces fill their PNP spaces so quickly?
Key provinces reached full capacity because demand for permanent pathways has surged. With federal planning shifting immigration toward stable permanent levels, PNP streams have become essential for workers and graduates seeking long-term status.
Will temporary immigration cuts affect the PNP?
Yes. With Canada reducing temporary resident admissions by more than 288,000 next year, many foreign workers and students will rely more on PNP streams. This could raise CRS scores, processing pressure and filing volumes.
Why did B.C. request a higher allocation for 2026?
British Columbia argues its labour market needs exceed federal nomination limits and that employers cannot rely solely on temporary workers in a climate of falling temporary numbers. The province will continue lobbying for higher PNP flexibility.
What role does the PNP play in the new immigration plan?
The PNP is central to the 2026–2028 strategy. It allows provinces to target permanent workers who match local needs, supporting labour retention and community settlement goals. As temporary flows decline, provincial nominations will become even more critical.
