Updated on January 16, 2026, 1:25 PM EST (Toronto Time)
2026 Provincial Nominee Program Draw Updates
Canada’s provincial nominee programs have begun issuing their initial invitations in 2026. Both Manitoba and Prince Edward Island (PEI) released draw results on January 15, 2026.
Quick Overview of PNP Draws on January 15, 2026
Manitoba PNP (MPNP): 55 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were issued under the Skilled Worker Stream, targeting candidates directly invited through strategic recruitment initiatives or temporary work permit facilitation policies.
PEI PNP: 26 invitations were issued under the Labour & Express Entry categories, with none under the Business Work Permit (Entrepreneur) category.
Manitoba PNP Draw Details
Manitoba’s first draw of the year utilized the Expression of Interest (EOI) system, focusing on Skilled Worker Stream profiles that declared a direct invitation from Manitoba through a strategic recruitment initiative.
Eligibility Criteria for Consideration
Manitoba only considered Skilled Worker Stream EOIs where candidates were directly invited by MPNP under a strategic recruitment initiative or through the Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates (TPP).
Number of LAAs Issued
Manitoba issued a total of 55 LAAs under the Skilled Worker Stream, distributed across various strategic recruitment initiative categories.
Express Entry Linkage
Out of the 55 LAAs, 10 were allocated to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles, indicating a potential faster transition through federal processing post-nomination.
Common Issues Leading to Non-Selection
Manitoba highlighted common profile hygiene issues that could prevent selection, urging candidates to update their EOIs with accurate information for future draws.
Regulated Occupations Warning
Manitoba cautioned candidates in regulated occupations to ensure they meet licensing requirements before proceeding with applications to avoid potential refusals.
PEI PNP Draw Details
PEI’s first draw of 2026 prioritized individuals working in occupations and priority sectors with a focus on international graduates from specific PEI institutions.
Invitation Breakdown
-
- Business Work Permit (Entrepreneur): 0 invitations
-
- Labour & Express Entry: 26 invitations
PEI emphasized invitations based on economic impact in the province, particularly prioritizing international graduates from UPEI, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île.
PEI’s current priority areas include economic impact and priority sectors to address immediate provincial needs.
