Manitoba, Ontario & BC PNP Draws 2026: New PR Pathways for Skilled Workers, Trades & International Graduates

Canada’s provincial immigration landscape is evolving rapidly in 2026. Recent draws from the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), and British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) have opened new opportunities for skilled workers, trades professionals, entrepreneurs, and international graduates seeking permanent residence (PR).

If you’re exploring Canadian immigration, PR pathways, Express Entry-linked PNP streams, or employer-driven provincial draws, this detailed breakdown will help you understand your options and next steps.

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Manitoba Invites Skilled Workers in Canada and Overseas

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program conducted its first draw of the month, issuing 29 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) under:

• Skilled Worker in Manitoba

• Skilled Worker Overseas

Six of these invitations were issued to candidates with active Express Entry profiles — meaning they could receive 600 additional CRS points upon nomination.

Breakdown of Strategic Recruitment Initiatives

Invitations were issued through special recruitment categories such as:

• Employer Services

• Francophone Community

• Regional Communities

• Ethnocultural Communities

• Temporary Public Policy (TPP)

What Are Strategic Recruitment Initiatives?

These initiatives help Manitoba employers fill urgent labour shortages when local talent is unavailable. Candidates are often identified through:

• Exploratory visits

• Recruitment missions

• Direct employer partnerships

Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, candidates typically need:

• Age between 21–45

• Minimum 2 years of relevant full-time experience

• Post-secondary education or equivalent training

• Language levels: CLB 5 (TEER 0–3) or CLB 4 (TEER 4–5)

• Strong intent to settle in Manitoba

Use Case Example:
A French-speaking nurse with 3 years of experience who attends a Manitoba recruitment mission could receive a direct LAA and fast-track their PR through the Skilled Worker Overseas stream.

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LMIA-Exempt Work Permit for Provincial Nominees (Code T13)

Provincial nominees awaiting PR decisions may qualify for a closed, LMIA-exempt work permit under exemption code T13.

To qualify, you must:

• Hold a valid provincial nomination

• Have submitted a PR application (or nomination still valid)

• Receive a work permit support letter from the province

• Possess an employer job offer submitted via the Employer Portal

This pathway allows nominees to begin working sooner — without the employer needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Use Case Example:
An IT professional nominated by Manitoba can obtain a T13 work permit and start working full-time while IRCC processes their PR application.

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Ontario Issues 1,404 Invitations in Skilled Trades Draw

Ontario held a targeted draw through its Employer Job Offer streams, issuing 1,404 Invitations to Apply (ITAs):

• 951 under the Foreign Worker stream

• 453 under the International Student stream

This draw targeted skilled trades occupations and required candidates to be residing in Canada with valid status.

Important Notes

• Profiles had to be created between July 2025 and February 2026

• Applications must be submitted within 17 calendar days

• Employers must complete documentation within 14 days

Use Case Example:
An international student in Ontario working as an industrial electrician could qualify under the Employer Job Offer: International Student stream and secure PR without needing Express Entry.

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Ontario’s 2026 Nomination Allocation Increased

Ontario received 14,119 nominations for 2026, representing a 31% increase compared to 2025.

This increase reflects Canada’s broader expansion of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) admissions targets, which rose significantly this year.

Despite the increase, Ontario’s levels remain below 2024’s historic allocation of 21,500 nominations.

Recent OINP Changes to Watch

• Suspension of the Express Entry Skilled Trades stream

• Expanded authority to return applications

• Introduction of employer-led intake system

• Stream consolidation proposals (Healthcare, Entrepreneurs, Exceptional Talent)

• New flexibility for self-employed physicians

These updates significantly impact how candidates approach Ontario PR pathways.

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British Columbia Issues 474 Invitations in Two Days

The BC PNP conducted back-to-back draws:

Entrepreneur Immigration (February 10)

• 13 invitations under Base Stream

• Fewer than 5 under Regional Stream

The Base stream requires:

• $600,000 net worth

• $200,000 minimum investment

The Regional stream requires:

• $300,000 net worth

• $100,000 investment

• Community referral

Use Case Example:
An entrepreneur wanting to open a tech consulting firm in a smaller BC town could benefit from the Regional stream with lower financial requirements.

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Skills Immigration Draw (February 11)

BC issued 460 ITAs to high economic impact candidates who:

• Earn at least $62/hour ($125,000/year), OR

• Scored 135+ points

This shows BC’s focus on high-wage, high-impact occupations.

Use Case Example:
A senior software engineer earning above $125,000 annually could receive a BC nomination faster than waiting for a competitive Express Entry CEC draw.

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Faster Alternatives to Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Many international graduates can secure PR faster through PNPs than through Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which requires one year of Canadian work experience.

Provinces Offering Faster Options:

• Ontario (International Student stream)

• Manitoba (Career Employment & Graduate Internship Pathways)

• Alberta (Opportunity Stream)

• Nova Scotia

• Prince Edward Island

• Newfoundland & Labrador

Some graduate streams require no prior work experience — only a job offer or completed degree.

Use Case Example:
A Master’s graduate in Ontario with CLB 7 and proof of settlement funds can enter the Master's Graduate stream without any job offer.

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Why Provincial Nominee Programs Are Critical in 2026

With increased federal PR targets and higher provincial allocations:

• PNPs are becoming the fastest route to PR

• Express Entry-linked streams offer 600 CRS points

• Employer-driven pathways are gaining priority

• High-wage and regional occupations are in demand

Strategically aligning your profile with provincial labour needs can significantly improve your immigration success.

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Final Thoughts: Your PR Opportunity May Be Provincial

Canada’s immigration system is increasingly province-driven. Whether you are:

• An international student

• A nurse or healthcare worker

• A skilled trades professional

• A tech worker

• An entrepreneur

There are targeted PNP streams designed specifically for your profile.

The key is understanding eligibility, acting quickly after invitations, and ensuring your documentation is complete and compliant.

✨ Don’t wait for one single Express Entry draw to change your future.
Explore provincial nomination pathways, align with labour market priorities, and take proactive steps toward Canadian permanent residence.

Your Canadian dream may start at the provincial level — and 2026 could be your year.