Massive Month in Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs in September 2025

To put this in perspective, that is more than four times the invitations seen in August, and several times higher than any other month this year. 

So, what does this mean for newcomers and those hoping to immigrate through a PNP? Let’s break it down. 

Key Takeaways 

• September 2025 was a blockbuster month in Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs when it came to draw activity. 

What are PNPs and why are they important? 

Provincial Nominee Programs allow provinces and territories to choose immigrants who meet their local job market and community needs. If you receive a nomination, it boosts your chances of getting permanent residence in Canada. 

Each province runs its own streams and receives an allocation from the federal government each year. The provinces’ invitations tend to focus on meeting provincial economic and labour needs. At the moment, this means we’re seeing workers in health care, construction, education, and other priority industries receive invitations at higher rates. 

How many PNP invitations were issued in September 2025? 

In September, provinces issued at least 12,242 invitations to apply for provincial nomination. This number is higher than all the invitations issued in January through April combined. 

Here’s how it looked: 

• Ontario led with more than 4,500 invitations in just two draws. 

• Manitoba followed closely, issuing more than 4,200 invitations. 

• Alberta ran the most frequent draws, issuing nearly 2,750 invitations across 10 rounds. 

• Newfoundland and Labrador held two significant draws, inviting 570 candidates. 

• Prince Edward Island issued 129 invitations in one round. 

You can see more details about these rounds on our Live PNP Tracker Tool.

How does September compare to other months in 2025? 

The jump in activity is dramatic: 

• August 2025: 2,784 invitations across 12 draws 

• July 2025: 1,321 invitations across 11 draws 

• June 2025: 1,254 invitations across 11 draws 

• May 2025: 798 invitations across 11 draws 

• April 2025: 681 invitations across 5 draws 

No other month even came close to September’s total so far in 2025.  

In fact, invitation activity was higher in September 2025 than it was in September 2024 – which is significant given the huge reduction in the number of invitations provinces are allocated in 2025.  

Comparing September 2024 and September 2025 in Canada’s PNPs

Here’s how this year’s September draws compared to what we saw in 2024, when the provinces had a much higher nomination allocation:

• September 2024: About 6,834 invitations were issued.

• September 2025: At least 12,242 invitations were issued — nearly double the year before.

In terms of where the nominations went in September 2024 compared to 2025:

• Ontario issued the most invitations in both 2024 and 2025, issuing 4,379 invitations in September 2024 and 4,536 in September 2025.

• Quebec and British Columbia issued invitations in September 2024 but haven’t yet published information about any invitations issued in September 2025.

• Manitoba issued 4,258 invitations — a huge increase over 2024 (554).

• Alberta was much more active in 2025, with 2,749+ invitations across 10 draws.

• Newfoundland and Labrador, absent from the 2024 list, issued 570 invitations across two draws.

• Prince Edward Island issued 129 invitations, similar in scale to 2024.

Why was September 2025 so busy in Canada’s PNP?

Several factors may have played a role:

• Several provinces received adjusted nomination allocations from the federal government mid-year, which can lead to bigger or more frequent draws in the second half of the year.

• Labour shortages in healthcare, construction, and tech continue to drive demand for skilled workers.

• Activity was slow in the earlier months of 2025.

What does this mean for applicants?

If you’re in the Express Entry pool or have submitted an Expression of Interest to a province, September shows that provinces are actively inviting candidates at a much higher pace.

It’s a reminder to:

• Keep your profile up to date.

• Monitor provincial news and draw updates.

• Consider applying to provinces that align with your skills and work experience.

Could more invitations still be added?

Yes. Some provinces release their draw numbers with a delay, publishing details weeks or even months later. That means the September totals may still rise as more updates come in.

Final Thoughts

September was a record-setting month for Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs this year. With over 12,000 invitations issued, it highlights how important PNPs remain in Canada’s immigration system. For those looking to immigrate, staying informed and prepared could make the difference when the next big draw happens.