The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a great chance for people who want to move to Canada. It helps skilled workers, business owners, and investors settle in Canada.
But recently, the PNPs in Yukon and New Brunswick have been paused. This shows that many people want to use these programs.
Canada Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
The PNPs in Canada are becoming more popular. By 2024, these programs will help many people move to Canada as permanent residents. Even with more funding, there are more people applying than there are spots available.
This high demand has led to some programs being paused. In 2024, the programs for the Accommodation and Food Services industry in Nova Scotia and Alberta were also paused. The high cut-off scores for the Federal Express Entry draws are part of the reason for this increased demand.
Which Provincial Nominee Programs are Paused?
Yukon Nominee Program Paused Temporarily
Due to high demand, the Yukon government has paused applications for the Yukon Nominee Program based in Whitehorse. There are only 430 nominations available for 2024, but 590 applications have already been received.
This pause will help the processing team focus on the applications already submitted. The program might not reopen in 2024, but it may start again in 2025. This change will mostly affect the hospitality and tourism industries.
Applications from people living in rural Yukon (not Whitehorse) will still be accepted and processed.
New Brunswick Skilled Workers Stream Paused
As of May 17, 2024, New Brunswick has paused Expressions of Interest for its Skilled Worker Stream. The program is very popular, and this pause is due to high demand.
People who meet the extra requirements and have a job offer from a New Brunswick employer can apply for this stream. This pause was announced earlier in 2024.
Other Programs Paused in 2024
- Nova Scotia: Due to a large number of applications, Nova Scotia has paused PNP applications in the accommodation and food services industry.
- Alberta: The Tourism and Hospitality Stream has also paused new applications after its first round of intake. The Alberta government plans to accept applications in stages to manage the demand.
Why is There High Demand for Canada’s PNPs?
Category-Based Draws in Express Entry
Canada’s current immigration strategy focuses on category-based draws, especially for those who speak French. In 2024, more invitations will go to STEM and healthcare professionals.
Temporary Workers in Canada
There are many temporary workers in Canada. To address labor shortages in 2021 and 2022, many temporary workers were invited.
These workers now use PNPs to apply for permanent residence. The Canadian government has made changes to its temporary resident policy, which might reduce the number of temporary workers and the demand for PNPs by 2025.
High Demand in Employer-Driven and Food Services Programs
Many temporary workers in Canada are international students with post-graduation work permits (PGWP).
Many of these students work in the food services industry, which helps them meet the requirements for PNPs or the Express Entry program if they move to a supervisory role.
What Can Applicants Do if a PNP is Paused?
If you qualify for a PNP that is paused, here are some steps you can take:
- Check Eligibility for Other PNPs: If you qualify for the Nova Scotia Skilled Worker Program, you might also qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program.
- Wait for Program to Reopen: If your current work visa allows, it might be worth waiting for the program to reopen. Use this time to gather necessary documents and improve your skills. This might include gaining more work experience, improving language skills, learning French, or pursuing higher education.
- Work on Meeting Requirements for Another Program: If you don’t qualify for another program yet, work on meeting the requirements. Immigration policies can change, so keep working towards your goal of moving to Canada.
Conclusion
The high demand for PNPs shows that Canada is a desirable place to live. These pauses in the programs are necessary to adapt to the demand and ensure a fair process. Stay hopeful and keep working towards your goal of immigrating to Canada.
Table of Important Data
| Program | Status | Reason for Pause | Reopening Expected |
| Yukon Nominee Program | Paused | High demand, 590 applications received | 2025 (expected) |
| New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream | Paused | High demand | Not specified |
| Nova Scotia PNP (Accommodation and Food Services) | Paused | Large backlog and high inventory | Not specified |
| Alberta Tourism and Hospitality Stream | Paused | High demand, managing intake in stages | Staged reopening |
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