Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) remain a key option for skilled workers aiming for permanent residence, especially when federal selection is competitive. For 2026, Alberta and Ontario have publicly confirmed their nomination allocations, and B.C. has indicated a lower allocation than it requested.
2026 nomination allocations (confirmed / reported)
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Ontario (OINP): 14,119 nominations (2026 allocation)
Ontario government update page: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2026-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-updates -
Alberta (AAIP): 6,403 nominations (2026 allocation)
Alberta’s official AAIP processing info (shows allocation + remaining spaces): https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-processing-information -
British Columbia (BC PNP): 5,254 nominations (2026 allocation reported in program updates)
B.C. program background (official): https://www.welcomebc.ca/immigrate-to-b-c/about-the-bc-provincial-nominee-program
B.C. government context on BC PNP changes (official): https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PSFS0003-000322
What this means if you’re planning for PR in 2026
1) More nominations doesn’t mean “easy PR.”
Even with larger allocations, provinces can stay selective. PNPs are quota-based and often prioritize occupations, regions, or employer-led applications.
2) Your “fastest” option depends on your situation, not the province name.
In many cases, the fastest path is the stream where you already meet the strongest criteria (job offer, in-province work, priority occupation).
3) Processing time has two stages
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Provincial stage (you apply to the province)
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Federal PR stage after nomination (IRCC)
IRCC’s official processing-time tool is here (always check before planning timelines):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
Important 2026 program notes (official)
Alberta: priority sectors + published allocation dashboard
Alberta’s AAIP page also lists priority sectors for 2026 (health care, tech, construction, manufacturing, aviation, agriculture, and Rural Renewal communities) and shows how many nomination spaces remain.
Official AAIP page: https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-processing-information
Ontario: Skilled Trades Express Entry stream suspension (still relevant for planning)
Ontario suspended its Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream effective November 14, 2025, and returned pending applications (with refunds), citing misrepresentation/fraud concerns. If you’re a trades worker, don’t build a 2026 plan assuming that stream will work the same way.
Official Ontario update page (2025): https://www.ontario.ca/page/2025-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-updates
Reality check before you act
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PNP allocations can change, and provinces may shift draws to targeted occupations or employer-driven streams.
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“Fastest PR” claims online often ignore eligibility details and draw behaviour.
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Always confirm requirements on the official program pages before paying fees or accepting job offers.
Official program hubs
