Manitoba’s three communities participating in Canada’s federal Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)—Altona/Rhineland, Brandon, and Steinbach—have released their 2026 priority sectors and 25-occupation lists, with notable overlap across sectors and roles. RCIP is an employer-driven permanent residence pathway requiring candidates to secure a qualifying job offer from a community-designated employer and meet eligibility criteria for work experience, education, language, and settlement funds. Officials also indicate that candidates may still be considered with job offers outside a community’s priority occupation list, depending on local priorities and the demonstrated benefit to the community.

The Government of Prince Edward Island posted its anticipated Invitation to Apply (ITA) schedule for 2026 on its official immigration webpage on January 7, 2026. The schedule outlines 12 planned Expression of Interest (EOI) draws over the year, generally expected to occur monthly around mid-month. While the public schedule provides applicants with a clearer sense of timing—something rarely offered by other provinces—PEI emphasized that the dates are for general information only and do not guarantee that draws will take place exactly as listed.

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) recently broke from its established schedule to conduct its second unexpected draw of the year. This latest round not only deviated from the standard timeline but also marked a significant shift in selection criteria. Moving away from the recent trend of exclusively targeting local graduates and individuals already employed within the province, this draw opened eligibility to candidates with weaker ties to the island, provided they could demonstrate a positive economic impact. Industry analysis suggests this strategic move is likely aimed at ensuring the province fully utilizes its 2025 federal nomination allocation before the year ends.

On November 28, 2025, Nova Scotia announced a major shift in its immigration intake system, confirming that all submissions under the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) will now be processed through an Expression of Interest (EOI) model. Under the new rules, all submissions—regardless of submission date—are considered EOIs, and having a case ID or meeting eligibility criteria no longer guarantees file processing. The province will conduct periodic draws based on current labor market and economic priorities, with priority sectors such as healthcare, construction, trades, STEM, natural resources, and manufacturing. The shift aligns with broader trends driven by reduced provincial nomination allocations from IRCC. With increased immigration targets set for 2026, applicants may soon see improved chances of receiving selections.

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) recently conducted its largest immigration draw of the year, issuing invitations to apply for provincial nomination to nearly 200 candidates through the "Labour & Express Entry" category. This draw primarily targeted candidates already working in the province, while giving priority consideration to applicants with French language proficiency and international graduates from specific institutions. This move reflects the province's strategic intent to attract skilled talent capable of directly contributing to the local economy.

On October 27, 2025, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) conducted an unannounced draw, issuing 159 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates. The selection specifically targeted international graduates from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Holland College, and Collège de l’Île who are currently living and working in the province. The move breaks from PEI’s regular draw schedule, signaling the province’s intention to accelerate its intake of skilled talent with local education and employment experience.

On October 17, 2025, Prince Edward Island (PEI) conducted its second-largest immigration draw of the year under the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), issuing 160 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination. The draw primarily targeted skilled workers already employed in the province in priority occupations, as well as international graduates from designated educational institutions. As of October 26, 2025, PEI has issued a total of 1,081 ITAs through its PNP this year.

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) conducted its ninth draw of 2025 on September 19, issuing 129 invitations to foreign nationals through the Labour and Express Entry category. The province continues to maintain a pace of approximately one draw per month, with a strategic focus on skilled workers in high-demand sectors including healthcare, trades, and manufacturing. Against the backdrop of reduced 2025 provincial nomination allocations by the federal government, Prince Edward Island is adjusting its immigration strategy to prioritize candidates who can meet the province's economic and labour market needs.

Prince Edward Island issued 129 invitations through its Labour Impact and Express Entry categories in its latest Provincial Nominee Program draw held on September 19, 2025. The province continues to focus on occupational sectors with significant economic impact, prioritizing applicants employed locally and international graduates from provincial institutions.

On September 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second-ever Express Entry draw targeting candidates in the "education" category. A total of 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 462. Compared to the inaugural draw for this category, this round featured a significantly lower cut-off score and a larger number of invitations, reflecting the flexibility and strategic focus of Canada's immigration policy on attracting professionals from specific fields.