Canada Expands 2025 Immigration Quotas for Four Provinces
Toronto, September 16, 2025 – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an increase in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations for four provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick.
This marks a shift in the federal government’s approach after the sharp quota cuts outlined in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan.
The new allocations aim to support labour markets, address critical workforce shortages, and stabilize regional economies amid pressures on housing and public services.
Federal Context: Why Quotas Were Initially Reduced
- In late 2024, the federal government reduced immigration targets due to housing shortages and affordability concerns.
- Annual permanent resident admissions were cut to 395,000 in 2025 (down from 500,000 in 2024).
- PNP allocations were halved from 110,000 to 55,000.
- Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia saw steep cuts, sparking pushback from employers and immigration advocates.
- After months of negotiations, IRCC granted targeted quota top-ups in 2025.
Alberta – Quota Boost
- Initial cut: From 9,750 in 2024 to 4,875 in 2025.
- New allocation: 6,403 nominations (+1,528).
- Issued so far (by Sept 2025): 3,749 nominations.
- Remaining spots: 1,126, with 1,768 applications pending.
- Focus sectors: Construction, energy, healthcare, skilled trades.
- Alberta pledged 10,000 new housing units by 2026 tied to this immigration boost.
Table: Alberta 2025 Snapshot
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Issued Nominations | 3,749 |
| Remaining Spots | 1,126 |
| Applications Pending | 1,768 |
Saskatchewan – Quota Boost
- Initial cut: From 7,500 in 2024 to 3,625 in 2025.
- New allocation: 4,761 nominations (+1,136).
- Allocation breakdown:
- 25% (284 spots): Capped sectors (trucking, food services, retail).
- 75% (897 spots): Healthcare, agriculture, skilled trades.
- Immigrants already represent 15% of Saskatchewan’s workforce.
- Settlement funds: $15,000 per family for housing and language training.
Newfoundland and Labrador – Quota Boost
- Initial cut: From 2,050 in 2024 to 1,025 in 2025.
- New allocation:2,525 total (+1,500).
- 2,025 PNP spots.
- 500 AIP spots (Atlantic Immigration Program).
- Priority: International graduates and skilled workers (oil, fisheries, green energy).
- Settlement support: $10,000 grants tied to job offers.
New Brunswick – Quota Boost
- Initial cut: From 3,000 in 2024 to 1,500 in 2025.
- New allocation: 3,000 PNP spots (+1,500) + 1,250 AIP spots = 4,250 total.
- Priority sectors: IT, forestry, healthcare.
- Part of the agreement: Province to relocate 400 asylum claimants over two years.
- GDP boost estimated at $600 million (IRCC projections).
Table: New Brunswick 2025 Allocation
| Program | Quota | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PNP | 3,000 | +1,500 increase |
| AIP | 1,250 | Employer-driven |
| Total | 4,250 | 42% uplift |
Will Ontario, BC, and Manitoba See Increases?
- Ontario: Quota cut from 21,500 to 10,750.
- British Columbia: Quota cut from 8,000 to 4,000.
- Manitoba: Quota cut from 9,500 to 4,750.
So far, no quota increases for these provinces despite lobbying efforts.
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford has criticized Ottawa’s policies but stepped back from demanding full control.
- BC is cautious due to rising anti-immigration sentiment.
- Manitoba may push for a quota increase next, especially after Alberta’s success.
Key Takeaways
- Four provinces secured PNP quota increases: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick.
- Focus remains on in-Canada candidates (75% rule) to ease housing pressures.
- Federal government signals flexibility but remains cautious with overall numbers.
- Ontario, BC, and Manitoba may negotiate for future quota increases.
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